Celsius to Fahrenheit converter

What is temperature conversion?

Temperature conversion is the process of converting a temperature reading from one scale to another. In this context, we specifically focus on converting temperatures from the Celsius scale (°C) to the Fahrenheit scale (°F) and vice versa. These conversions are essential in various fields such as meteorology, cooking, science, and engineering where precise temperature measurements are critical.

For more temperature conversions explore our temperature converter for a broader set of scales.

Temperature scales

Both the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales have rich histories that contribute to their widespread adoption today. Understanding their origins provides valuable context for their use and importance.

Celsius scale

Named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, the Celsius scale was introduced in 1742. Interestingly, Celsius initially proposed a reversed scale where 0°C represented the boiling point of water and 100°C was its freezing point. This was later inverted to align with the current scale, where 0°C is the freezing point and 100°C is the boiling point of water under standard atmospheric pressure.

The simplicity of the Celsius scale made it particularly attractive for scientific calculations, leading to its adoption as the primary scale in most countries worldwide, except for a few including the United States.

Fahrenheit scale

The Fahrenheit scale was developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, a Polish-German physicist, in 1724. Fahrenheit’s scale is noted for setting the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F under standard atmospheric pressure. One of the reasons for choosing these numbers was to avoid negative temperature readings as much as possible and to provide granularity for measurement.

The Fahrenheit scale gained widespread acceptance in English-speaking countries, primarily due to British influence and its early adoption in scientific instruments.

Formulas

Conversion between Celsius and Fahrenheit is straightforward, thanks to simple mathematical formulas. There are two primary formulas used to switch between these scales.

Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion

To convert a temperature from Celsius to Fahrenheit, use the formula: $F = \left( C \times \frac{9}{5} \right) + 32$

Where:

• $C$ is the temperature in Celsius.
• $F$ is the temperature in Fahrenheit.

Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion

For converting a temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius, use: $C = \left( F - 32 \right) \times \frac{5}{9}$

Where:

• $F$ is the temperature in Fahrenheit.
• $C$ is the temperature in Celsius.

Examples

Example 1: Convert 25°C to °F

Using the formula:

$F = \left( 25 \times \frac{9}{5} \right) + 32$

$F = 45 + 32$

$F = 77°F$

Thus, 25°C corresponds to 77°F.

Example 2: Convert 1°F to °C

Using the conversion formula:

$C = \left( 1 - 32 \right) \times \frac{5}{9}$

$C = -31 \times \frac{5}{9}$

$C = -17.22°C$

Therefore, 1°F translates back to -17.22°C.

Temperature conversion table

To further illustrate the relationship between these scales, here’s a table showing equivalent temperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit.

Interesting facts

1. Absolute zero: Both scales can describe extremely low temperatures, but they aren’t equipped to define absolute zero, the theoretical temperature where all particle motion ceases. This is given by 0 Kelvin or -273.15°C, and -459.67°F.
2. Dual zero: The temperature -40° is unique because it represents the same value on both the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales.
3. Medical thermometers: Celsius is the preferred scale for medical thermometers in most parts of the world, except the U.S. where Fahrenheit is more common.
4. Scientific precision: While the Celsius scale is universally used in science due to its simplicity, scientific work in thermodynamics often employs the Kelvin scale due to its absolute nature.
5. Everyday usage: The Fahrenheit scale was devised with practical usage in mind, providing a more exact representation of air temperatures encountered by humans.

FAQs

Why is the Fahrenheit scale used mainly in the U.S.?

The adoption of the Fahrenheit scale in the U.S. is largely historical and cultural. It was established during the period when the country developed its metric standards, and it continues to be used as a familiar and traditional system for weather forecasting, cooking, and heating.

How to find Fahrenheit if Celsius is 30°C?

Use the formula: $F = \left( 30 \times \frac{9}{5} \right) + 32$ $F = 54 + 32$ $F = 86°F$

Therefore, 30°C corresponds to 86°F.

Why does water boil at different temperatures on different scales?

The boiling point of water, 100°C (or 212°F), can vary with altitude and atmospheric pressure. Water boils at lower temperatures at higher elevations due to reduced atmospheric pressure, while it boils at higher temperatures under increased pressure.

32 Fahrenheit in Celsius

$C = \left( 32 - 32 \right) \times \frac{5}{9}$ $C = 0°C$

Thus, 32°F corresponds to 0°C.