Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
Use our free online converter to easily convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Get accurate conversions instantly.
Converting Fahrenheit to Celsius
Converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius is particularly important for Americans traveling abroad or when interpreting scientific data that uses the metric system.
Mathematical Relationship
The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. This conversion requires first subtracting 32 and then multiplying by the fraction 5/9.
Common Conversion Values
| Fahrenheit | Celsius |
|---|---|
| 32 | 0 |
| 68 | 20 |
| 98.6 | 37 |
| 122 | 50 |
| 212 | 100 |
Unit Definitions
Fahrenheit
The Fahrenheit scale (symbol: °F) is a temperature scale based on one proposed by physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724. In this scale, the freezing point of water is 32°F and the boiling point is 212°F at standard atmospheric pressure.
Celsius
The Celsius scale (symbol: °C) is a temperature scale used by the International System of Units (SI). It defines 0°C as the freezing point of water and 100°C as the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure.
Historical Context
Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, a Polish-German physicist, proposed his temperature scale in 1724. He initially calibrated his scale using a mixture of ice, water, and ammonium chloride (which stabilized at 0°F) and the average human body temperature (originally set at 96°F, later adjusted).