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Celsius to Fahrenheit Converter

Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit instantly. Unlike most conversions this one needs two steps, because the two scales have different degree sizes and different zero points.

Enter a temperature below and the answer updates as you type. The formula, a reference chart and the questions people ask most follow underneath.

Celsius to Fahrenheit converter

degrees Celsius (°C)=33.8 degrees Fahrenheit (°F)

The formula

(°C × 9/5) + 32 = °F. Nine fifths is 1.8, so you can also multiply by 1.8 and add 32.

The multiplication accounts for the size of a degree: a Celsius degree is 1.8 times larger than a Fahrenheit degree, because there are 100 Celsius degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water but 180 Fahrenheit degrees over the same range.

The addition accounts for the offset. Water freezes at 0 °C but at 32 °F, so 32 has to be added after scaling. A useful sanity check is that the two scales meet at −40, the only temperature where both read the same number, and a handy rough method for weather is to double the Celsius figure and add 30.

Celsius to Fahrenheit chart

CelsiusFahrenheitReference
−40 °C−40 °FScales coincide
0 °C32 °FWater freezes
10 °C50 °FCool spring day
15 °C59 °FMild UK day
20 °C68 °FRoom temperature
25 °C77 °FWarm summer day
30 °C86 °FHot summer day
37 °C98.6 °FBody temperature
100 °C212 °FWater boils

Frequently asked questions

What is 20 degrees Celsius in Fahrenheit?

Twenty degrees Celsius is 68 degrees Fahrenheit: 20 multiplied by 1.8 is 36, and 36 plus 32 is 68.

What is 180 °C in Fahrenheit for baking?

180 °C is 356 °F, which American recipes normally round to 350 °F. In a fan oven use about 160 °C.

Why add 32 rather than just multiplying?

Because the two scales do not share a zero. Water freezes at 0 on the Celsius scale but at 32 on the Fahrenheit scale, so the offset has to be added.

Is there a quick mental method?

Double the Celsius figure and add 30. For 20 °C that gives 70 °F against a true 68, which is close enough for a weather forecast.

At what temperature are Celsius and Fahrenheit equal?

At −40 degrees. It is the single point where the two scales cross.

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