Home › Cooking Converters › Fahrenheit to Celsius Converter
Convert a temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius or from Celsius to Fahrenheit using the exact linear relationship between the two scales. The converter is useful for oven settings, food storage references, cooking instructions and international recipes.
Fahrenheit to Celsius converter
Results are estimates based on the values you enter. Nothing you type is sent to or stored on our servers.
Mathematical conversion model
The scales have different zero points and different degree sizes. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 9/5 and add 32: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32.
The subtraction of 32 is essential because 0 °C corresponds to 32 °F, not 0 °F. The ratio 5/9 accounts for the different size of a degree interval. The formula is exact; only the displayed result is rounded.
Worked examples
A room at 68 °F converts to 20 °C: (68 − 32) × 5/9 = 20. A baking temperature of 350 °F converts to about 176.7 °C. In the reverse direction, 200 °C converts to 392 °F.
The two scales also meet at −40 degrees. At −40 °F, the Celsius result is −40 °C. This is a useful mental check for a conversion table or calculator.
How to use the converter
- Enter the temperature value, including a negative value when appropriate.
- Choose the conversion direction: Fahrenheit to Celsius or Celsius to Fahrenheit.
- Calculate and read the rounded result. Keep the original value if the source instruction requires a particular scale.
Temperature values versus temperature changes
The formula converts a temperature point, such as the temperature of an oven or room. A temperature difference is handled differently: a change of 1 °C equals a change of 1.8 °F. You do not subtract 32 when converting a temperature interval because the offset cancels when taking a difference.
Physical limits and limitations
The lowest physically meaningful temperature is absolute zero: −459.67 °F or −273.15 °C. The converter rejects values below the corresponding limit. For ordinary cooking and household use, values are far above this boundary.
A correct unit conversion does not guarantee that a thermometer or oven is accurate. Sensor calibration, placement, air circulation and thermal lag can create differences between the displayed set point and the actual food or oven temperature.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to estimate Fahrenheit to Celsius?
Subtract 30 and divide by 2 for a rough mental estimate. Use the exact formula in the converter when precision matters.
Why do I subtract 32?
The Fahrenheit and Celsius scales have different zero points. The subtraction aligns the freezing point of water at 32 °F with 0 °C.
Is the conversion exact?
The mathematical relationship is exact. The calculator rounds the displayed result to one decimal place.
Related tools and reference
For oven-specific settings, use the Oven Temperature Converter. The formula follows the NIST Guide to the SI temperature conversion factors.