Fahrenheit to Celsius (°F to °C) Converter

Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula

To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit value, then multiply by 5/9.

Formula:

°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9

For example, to convert 98.6°F to Celsius, subtract 32 then multiply by 5/9.

(98.6 − 32) × 5/9 = 66.6 × 0.5556 = 37°C

So 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit equals exactly 37 degrees Celsius — normal body temperature.

Key Temperature Benchmarks: °F to °C

Memorizing these reference points makes everyday Fahrenheit to Celsius conversions quick:

• Water freezes: 32°F = 0°C
• Cool day: 50°F = 10°C
• Room temperature: 68°F = 20°C
• Warm day: 86°F = 30°C
• Body temperature: 98.6°F = 37°C
• Water boils: 212°F = 100°C
• Equal point: -40°F = -40°C

Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversion Table

Use this quick reference table for common °F to °C conversions.

Common Fahrenheit to Celsius Conversions

• 32°F to Celsius: 32°F = 0°C (water freezes)
• 72°F to Celsius: 72°F = 22.22°C (comfortable indoor temperature)
• 98.6°F to Celsius: 98.6°F = 37°C (normal body temperature)
• 212°F to Celsius: 212°F = 100°C (water boils)
• 350°F to Celsius: 350°F = 176.67°C (common oven baking temperature)

When to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius

You'll need to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius most often when reading American content from outside the US, or when working with metric-system sources. Common situations include:

• Understanding US weather forecasts and temperature reports
• Converting oven temperatures from American recipes to Celsius for non-US ovens
• Interpreting US medical or health resources that report body temperature in °F
• Comparing travel destination climates between US and international sources
• Science or engineering projects that mix imperial and metric data

Why Use This Fahrenheit to Celsius Converter?

• Uses the exact formula: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
• Converts any temperature, including below zero, instantly
• Adjustable decimal precision from 1 to 10 places
• No rounding shortcuts — uses full mathematical precision
• Works on all devices with no download required

Understanding Fahrenheit vs Celsius

Fahrenheit was developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724. His scale set 0°F at the freezing point of a saltwater brine and 96°F as an approximation of human body temperature. This is why the benchmarks feel arbitrary compared to Celsius.

The Celsius scale, introduced by Anders Celsius in 1742, anchored 0° and 100° to the freezing and boiling points of pure water — making it far more logical for science and global communication. Nearly every country in the world uses Celsius today.

Because the two scales differ in both their starting points and their degree sizes, converting between them always requires both subtraction and multiplication — the formula can't be simplified to a single operation.

FAQ

How do I convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?

Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit value, then multiply by 5/9. The formula is °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9.

What is the formula for Fahrenheit to Celsius?

°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. You can also divide by 1.8 instead of multiplying by 5/9.

What is 32°F in Celsius?

32°F equals 0°C — the freezing point of water.

What is 98.6°F in Celsius?

98.6°F equals 37°C — normal human body temperature.

What is 212°F in Celsius?

212°F equals 100°C — the boiling point of water at sea level.

What is -40°F in Celsius?

-40°F equals -40°C. This is the only point where the two scales share the same numerical value.

Is 70°F hot or cold in Celsius?

70°F is approximately 21.1°C — a pleasant, comfortable room temperature.