How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celcius

Here is how to convert °F to °C. This is actually Fahrenheit to Celsius and not Fahrenheit to Celcius, though the mis-spellings of the temperature scales are common. So are the temperature scales, which are used to measure room temperature, body temperature, set thermostats, and take scientific measurements. Fahrenheit finds use in the United States, while Celsius is used worldwide.

Temperature Conversion Formula

The temperature conversion is easy to do:

1. Take the °F temperature and subtract 32.
2. Multiply this number by 5.
3. Divide this number by 9 to obtain your answer in °C.

The formula to convert °F to °C is:

T_(°C) = (T_(°F) - 32) × 5/9

which is

T_(°C) = (T_(°F) - 32) / 1.8

°F to °C Example Problem

For example, convert 68 degrees Fahrenheit into degrees Celsius:

T_(°C) = (68°F - 32) × 5/9

T(°C) = 20 °C

It's also easy to do the conversion the other way, from °C to °F. Here, the formula is:

T_(°F) = T_(°C) × 9/5 + 32

T_(°F) = T_(°C) × 1.8 + 32

For example, to convert 20 degrees Celsius to the Fahrenheit scale:

T_(°F) = 20°C × 9/5 + 32

T(°F) = 68 °F

When doing the temperature conversions, one quick way to make certain you did the conversion right is to remember Fahrenheit temperatures are higher than the corresponding Celsius scale until you get down to -40°, which is where the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales meet. Below this temperature, degrees Fahrenheit are lower than degrees Celsius.