Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
Fahrenheit to Celsius is the temperature conversion for turning an American-style reading into the metric scale used almost everywhere else. Because the two scales differ in both degree size and zero point, the formula subtracts first and then divides.
Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion table
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| 1 | -17.222222 |
| 2 | -16.666667 |
| 3 | -16.111111 |
| 5 | -15 |
| 10 | -12.222222 |
| 20 | -6.666667 |
| 50 | 10 |
| 100 | 37.777778 |
| 500 | 260 |
| 1,000 | 537.777778 |
The formula
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 and then multiply by 5/9:
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
Do the subtraction first: the −32 removes Fahrenheit's offset, and multiplying by 5/9 (about 0.556) rescales to the larger Celsius degree.
A worked example
Convert a hot 95°F afternoon to Celsius:
(95 − 32) × 5/9 = 63 × 5/9 = 35°C
Three anchor points worth memorizing
- 32°F = 0°C — water freezes
- 98.6°F = 37°C — body temperature
- 212°F = 100°C — water boils
A quick mental estimate
Subtract 30, then halve. For 95°F that gives (95 − 30) ÷ 2 = 32.5°C — close to the exact 35°C. It's the reverse of the Celsius-to-Fahrenheit shortcut, and it's fine for a quick read of the weather.
When you'll use it
Making sense of US weather forecasts, following American recipes and oven settings, and reading fevers on a Fahrenheit thermometer in metric terms.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula?
Subtract 32, then multiply by 5/9: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Subtracting 32 aligns the freezing points, and the ×5/9 rescales to the larger Celsius degree.
What is 98.6°F in Celsius?
37°C — normal body temperature. Together with 32°F = 0°C and 212°F = 100°C, it's one of the handiest anchor points to keep in mind.
Is there a temperature where Fahrenheit and Celsius are equal?
Yes — at −40°, the two scales read exactly the same: −40°F = −40°C. It falls straight out of the formula and is a neat way to check you've got it right.