Recipes, thermometer manuals and food-safety charts don’t always use the same temperature scale. This guide explains how Fahrenheit and Celsius relate, gives the exact formulas and a quick mental shortcut, and includes a converter you can use right now.
Fahrenheit ⇄ Celsius converter
Type in either box. The other updates instantly, and the buttons load common kitchen reference points.
°C = (°F − 32) × 5 ⁄ 9
The formulas
| Converting | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| °F → °C | °C = (°F − 32) × 5 ⁄ 9 | (165 − 32) × 5⁄9 = 73.9°C |
| °C → °F | °F = °C × 9 ⁄ 5 + 32 | 63 × 9⁄5 + 32 = 145.4°F |
The two scales use different zero points and different degree sizes. Water freezes at 32°F, which is 0°C, and boils at 212°F, which is 100°C, at sea level. That puts 180 Fahrenheit degrees and 100 Celsius degrees between the same two points, so one Celsius degree equals 1.8 Fahrenheit degrees.
A quick mental shortcut
To estimate °C from °F, subtract 30 and halve. To estimate °F from °C, double and add 30. It is close at everyday room and weather temperatures but drifts at cooking temperatures. For example, 350°F becomes “160°C” by the shortcut, but the exact figure is 176.7°C. Use the exact formula or the converter for cooking and food safety.
Reference temperatures worth knowing
| Reference point | °F | °C |
|---|---|---|
| Freezer (FDA recommendation) | 0°F | −18°C |
| Water freezes / ice bath | 32°F | 0°C |
| Refrigerator (FDA: at or below) | 40°F | 4°C |
| Steaks, roasts, chops, fish (minimum) | 145°F | 63°C |
| Ground meat (minimum) | 160°F | 71°C |
| Poultry and leftovers (minimum) | 165°F | 74°C |
| Water boils (sea level) | 212°F | 100°C |
Food-safety figures come from FoodSafety.gov, and fridge and freezer figures from the FDA. See the full safe cooking temperature chart.
Switching your thermometer between °F and °C
Most digital thermometers can switch units, often with a button combination or a small switch in the battery compartment. Check your manual. If your thermometer’s specs list accuracy in one unit, remember that ±1°C is roughly ±1.8°F.
FAQ
Is there a temperature where Fahrenheit and Celsius are the same?
Yes: −40°F equals −40°C.
What is 180°C in Fahrenheit?
180 × 9⁄5 + 32 = 356°F. Recipes often round this to 350°F.
