Conversion Calculator °F to °C
Click on the following link if you want to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit
History
The Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature scales were both developed in the 18th century but in different scientific traditions.
Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, a German physicist, introduced his scale in 1724. He based it on a mix of physical points – the freezing of saltwater, the freezing of water, and average human body temperature. On this scale, water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F.
About two decades later, Anders Celsius, a Swedish astronomer, created the Celsius scale in 1742, defining 0°C as the freezing point of water and 100°C as the boiling point. This made Celsius a simpler, more decimal-based system, which eventually became the international standard.
Common Usage
- Fahrenheit (°F) is mainly used in the United States, along with a few Caribbean countries. It’s used for everyday purposes like weather forecasts, cooking, and air conditioning settings.
- Celsius (°C) is the global standard, used in almost every other country, in science, and in most digital thermometers.
So when Americans say it’s 68°F, that means 20°C – a comfortable room temperature for most people.
Conversion Formula and Example
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, use this simple formula:
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
Example:
Let’s convert 77°F to Celsius.
°C = (77 − 32) × 5/9
°C = (45) × 5/9
°C = 25°C
So, 77°F equals 25°C – a pleasantly warm day.
Conversion Table
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| 32 °F | 0 °C |
| 41 °F | 5 °C |
| 50 °F | 10 °C |
| 59 °F | 15 °C |
| 68 °F | 20 °C |
| 77 °F | 25 °C |
| 86 °F | 30 °C |
| 95 °F | 35 °C |
| 104 °F | 40 °C |
| 122 °F | 50 °C |
| 212 °F | 100 °C |
This table helps you quickly compare everyday temperatures – from cold winter days to boiling water.
Fun Facts
- Fahrenheit’s scale originally had 0°F set as the lowest temperature he could create in his lab – a mix of salt, ice, and water.
- Human body temperature is 98.6°F, or 37°C – that’s why U.S. thermometers often mark it as “normal.”
- NASA and scientists worldwide use Celsius for measurements, but U.S. meteorologists on TV still use Fahrenheit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the freezing point of water in Fahrenheit?
32°F, which equals 0°C.
2. What’s the boiling point of water in Fahrenheit?
212°F, equal to 100°C.
3. Is 100°F a high temperature?
Yes! 100°F is about 37.8°C – typical for a very hot summer day.
4. What’s an easy way to estimate °F to °C without a calculator?
Subtract 30, then divide by 2.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a quick mental shortcut.
Example: 68°F → (68 − 30) ÷ 2 ≈ 19°C (close to 20°C).
5. Why is Fahrenheit still used in the U.S.?
It’s part of the country’s traditional measurement system. Since people are used to it, it has stayed that way for everyday use.
