Science, Tech, Math › Science How to Convert Between Degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius Print Andreas Müller/EyeEm/Getty Images Science Chemistry Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on May 04, 2019 Converting between Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales is useful if you are working temperature conversion problems, work in a lab, or simply want to know how hot or cold it is in a country that uses the other scale! It's easy to make the conversion. One way is to look at a thermometer that has both scales and simply read the value. If you're doing homework or need to do a conversion in a lab, you'll want the calculated values. You can use an online temperature converter or else do the math yourself. Celsius to Fahrenheit Degrees The formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit is: F = 1.8 C + 32 Multiply the Celsius temperature by 1.8.Add 32 to this number.Report the answer in degrees Fahrenheit. Read More How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celcius By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Example: Convert 20°C to Fahrenheit. F = 1.8 C + 32F = 1.8 (20) + 321.8 x 20 = 36 so F = 36 + 3236 + 32 = 68 so F = 68°F20°C = 68°F Fahrenheit to Celsius Degrees It's easy to work the conversion the other way. The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is: C = 5/9 (F-32) Subtract 32 from the degrees Fahrenheit.Multiply the value by 5.Divide this number by 9.Report the answer in degrees Celsius. Example: Convert body temperature in Fahrenheit (98.6°F) to Celsius. C = 5/9 (F-32)C = 5/9 (98.6 - 32)98.6 - 32 = 66.6 so you have C = 5/9 (66.6)66.6 x 5 = 333 so you have C = 333 / 9333 / 9 = 37°C98.6°F = 37°C Converting to the Kelvin Scale Other common conversions are between Fahrenheit and Kelvin and between Celsius and Kelvin: Convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin Convert Celsius to Kelvin Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How to Convert Between Degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/convert-between-fahrenheit-and-celsius-3976007. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2023, April 5). How to Convert Between Degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/convert-between-fahrenheit-and-celsius-3976007 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "How to Convert Between Degrees Fahrenheit and Celsius." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/convert-between-fahrenheit-and-celsius-3976007 (accessed March 29, 2024). copy citation