The formula
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 and multiply the result by 5/9: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9.
Examples
32°F equals 0°C. 68°F equals 20°C. 212°F equals 100°C.
Practical use
This conversion is useful when weather information, recipes or technical specifications use a different temperature scale from the one you normally use.
Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula
Fahrenheit and Celsius have different zero points. Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius by subtracting 32 and multiplying the result by 5/9.
Worked Examples
- 32 °F = 0 °C.
- 68 °F = 20 °C.
- 98.6 °F = 37 °C.
- 212 °F = 100 °C.
Reverse Conversion
To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply Celsius by 9/5 and then add 32.
Negative Values
Negative Fahrenheit values can be converted using the same formula. Keep the negative sign through the subtraction and multiplication steps.
Where the Conversion Is Used
Fahrenheit-to-Celsius conversion is common when comparing weather information, cooking temperatures, technical documentation and measurements from different countries.
Use the Tervilo Temperature Converter
Use the Tervilo Temperature Converter to convert Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin values.
The Fahrenheit-to-Celsius Formula
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, first remove the Fahrenheit scale offset and then apply the temperature ratio:
The order of operations matters. Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit value before multiplying by 5/9.
Worked Examples
| Fahrenheit | Celsius |
|---|---|
| -40°F | -40°C |
| 32°F | 0°C |
| 68°F | 20°C |
| 98.6°F | 37°C |
| 212°F | 100°C |
Use -40 as a Sanity Check
-40°F and -40°C represent the same temperature. This makes -40 a useful reference point when checking whether a Fahrenheit-to-Celsius calculation is using the correct direction and formula.
Converting Negative Fahrenheit Values
The same formula applies to temperatures below zero. Keep the negative sign when subtracting 32. For example, -40°F becomes (-40 - 32) × 5/9, which produces -40°C.
Rounding and Display Precision
The calculated Celsius value may contain decimal places. Choose the final precision according to the application. Weather information may use a whole number, while technical or scientific work may require more decimal places. Avoid rounding the intermediate result before completing the calculation.
Common Fahrenheit-to-Celsius Mistakes
- Multiplying by 5/9 before subtracting 32.
- Adding 32 instead of subtracting it.
- Using the Celsius-to-Fahrenheit formula in reverse.
- Dropping the negative sign from a temperature below zero.
- Rounding intermediate values unnecessarily.
Practical Uses
Fahrenheit-to-Celsius conversion is useful when reading weather information, recipes, appliance instructions, technical specifications and international documents that use different temperature scales.
Use the Tervilo Fahrenheit-to-Celsius Converter
Enter the Fahrenheit value in the Tervilo converter and review the Celsius result. Retain additional decimal places when the converted value will be used in another calculation.