Formula

Fahrenheit to Celsius Temperature Conversion

To convert a temperature from degrees Fahrenheit (°F) to degrees Celsius (°C), use the formula:

C=59(F32)C = \frac{5}{9}(F - 32)

The formula works in two stages. First, subtracting 3232 from the Fahrenheit value accounts for the offset between the two scales' zero points: water freezes at 32°F32°\text{F} but at 0°C0°\text{C}. Second, multiplying by 59\frac{5}{9} rescales the result, because a one-degree change on the Celsius scale corresponds to a 95\frac{9}{5}-degree change on the Fahrenheit scale. For example, to convert 212°F212°\text{F}: C=59(21232)=59(180)=100C = \frac{5}{9}(212 - 32) = \frac{5}{9}(180) = 100, confirming that water boils at 100°C100°\text{C}.

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Updated 2026-04-21

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