°C to °F Conversion: A Complete Guide

Download Article

You don’t have to be Einstein to use these fast and easy temperature conversion formulas

Co-authored by Joseph Quinones and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: July 24, 2023 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Celsius to Fahrenheit Formula
|
• Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula
|
• Video
|
• Expert Interview
|
• Q&A

|Show more |Show less

In most countries of the world, temperature is measured in degrees Celsius (°C). But what are you supposed to do when you have to measure something in Fahrenheit? With the help of two simple formulas, it’s easy to convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit (and vice versa) whenever you may need to. Simply plug the known temperature into the formula of your choice, and you’re good to go!

Things You Should Know

• Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit using the °F = (°C x 1.8) + 32 or °F = °C x ${\frac {9}{5}}$ + 32 formula.
• Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius with the °C = (°F - 32) x ${\frac {5}{9}}$ formula.

Steps

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Celsius to Fahrenheit Formula

Download Article

1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
   1
   Use °F = (°C x 1.8) + 32 to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit. You may also use the equation °F = °C x ${\frac {9}{5}}$ + 32, which will produce the same answer since ${\frac {9}{5}}$ = 1.8. Plug any Celsius temperature into either equation to convert it to Fahrenheit.
2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ef\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
   2
   Multiply the Celsius temperature by 1.8 to get started. Feel free to use a calculator if you’re crunched for time, or if you’d rather not do the math by hand.

   • Example 1: If the Celsius temperature is 20, multiply 20 by 1.8 to get 36. Alternatively, multiply the temperature (20) by 9, which equals 180, then divide 180 by 5, which equals 36.
   • Example 2: If the Celsius temperature is -10, multiply -10 by 1.8 to get -18. Alternatively, multiply the temperature (-10) by 9, which equals -90, and then divide by 5—this also gives you -18.
   Advertisement
3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
   3
   Add 32 to the multiplied product to get the temperature in Fahrenheit. After multiplying the temperature by 1.8 (or by 9, then dividing by 5), add 32 to the answer.

   • Example 1: Add 32 to 36, which equals 68. So, 20°C is equal to 68°F.
   • Example 2: Add 32 to -18, which equals 14. So, -10°C is equal to 14°F.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula

Download Article

1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-4-Version-2-fix.jpg\/460px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-4-Version-2-fix.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-4-Version-2-fix.jpg\/728px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-4-Version-2-fix.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
   1
   Use °C = (°F - 32) x $$ 5 9 {\displaystyle {\frac {5}{9}}} to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius. Simply plug in any Fahrenheit temperature and do the math to convert °F to °C.

   • You may also use the equation °C = (°F - 32) $\div {1.8}$, which will produce the same answer since dividing by 1.8 is the same as multiplying by ${\frac {1}{1.8}}$ = ${\frac {5}{9}}$
2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-5-Version-2-fix.jpg\/460px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-5-Version-2-fix.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-5-Version-2-fix.jpg\/728px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-5-Version-2-fix.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
   2
   Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature to begin. The first step is to take away 32 from the temperature in Fahrenheit.

   • Example 1: If the Fahrenheit temperature is 90, subtract 32 from 90 to get 58.
   • Example 2: If the Fahrenheit temperature is -5, subtract 32 from -5 to get -37.
3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-6-Version-2-fix.jpg\/460px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-6-Version-2-fix.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-6-Version-2-fix.jpg\/728px-Convert-Celsius-%28%C2%B0C%29-to-Fahrenheit-%28%C2%B0F%29-Step-6-Version-2-fix.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
   3
   Multiply the subtracted difference by $$ 5 9 {\displaystyle {\frac {5}{9}}} to get the temperature in Celsius. After subtracting 32 from the temperature, multiply the answer you calculated by ${\frac {5}{9}}$ (or 0.55).

   • Example 1: Multiply ${\frac {58}{1}}$ by ${\frac {5}{9}}$, which gives you ${\frac {290}{9}}$. Divide this fraction to get 32.2—thus, 90°F is equal to 32.2°C.
   • Example 2: Multiply ${\frac {-37}{1}}$ by ${\frac {5}{9}}$, which gives you ${\frac {-185}{9}}$. Divide this fraction to get -20.5—thus, -5°F is equal to -20.5°C.
   • Keep in mind that 0.55 is actually short for 0.5555555555555556—so, only use the abbreviated decimal in your formula if you don’t need a precise conversion.
   • It is more accurate to divide the subtracted difference by 1.8 instead of multiplying by 0.55, as it does not incur the loss of precision.
     This is because ${\frac {1}{1.8}}$ = ${\frac {10}{18}}$ = ${\frac {5}{9}}$ exactly.
   • Example 1: Divide $58$ by $1.8$, which gives you 32.2—thus, 90°F is equal to 32.2°C, as above.
   • Example 2: Divide $-37$ by $1.8$, which gives you -20.5—thus, -5°F is equal to -20.5°C, as above.
Advertisement

Calculator, Practice Problems, and Answers

Sample Celsius to Fahrenheit Calculator

Sample Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit Practice Problems

Sample Converting Celsius to Fahrenheit Practice Answers

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

• Question

  Confused! What is the 1.8 for?

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor
  Staff Answer

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  The 1.8 in the Celsius to Fahrenheit formula is shorthand for the fraction 9/5 (since 9 divided by 5 equals 1.8). Converting the fraction to a decimal helps you complete the formula a bit more easily and quickly.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 1 Helpful 5
• Question

  How do you convert a negative Celsius temperature to Fahrenheit (like -32 degrees)?

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor
  Staff Answer

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  You'd use the same formula as shown above! Using the C x 1.8 +32 formula, multiply -32 by 1.8 to get -57.6. Then, add 32, which gives you -25.6—so, -32°C equals -25.6°F.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 4 Helpful 4
• Question

  How do you convert 25°C into Fahrenheit?

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor
  Staff Answer

  This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

  

  wikiHow Staff Editor

  Staff Answer

  Plug 25 into the formula C x 1.8 + 32. Start by multiplying 25 by 1.8, which gives you 45. From there, add 32 and 45 together to get 77. Therefore, 25°C is 77°F.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

  Yes No

  Not Helpful 5 Helpful 7

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Conversion Table

Celsius (°C)	Fahrenheit (°F)
-40	-40
-30	-22
-20	-4
-10	14
0	32
20	68
40	104
60	140
80	176
100	212