About

Temperature conversion is a frequent necessity in fields ranging from thermodynamics to culinary arts. While the United States relies on the Fahrenheit scale, the majority of the scientific community and global population utilizes Celsius (Centigrade). Accuracy in conversion is critical when dealing with chemical reaction thresholds, such as the Maillard reaction in cooking or cryopreservation limits in medicine. A deviation of a few degrees can alter the physical state of a substance or the outcome of a biological process.

This tool provides a linear transformation between these two scales. It includes a visual feedback mechanism to represent thermal intensity and a database of common thermal landmarks used in engineering and meteorology. The conversion logic handles the offset of 32 degrees and the scaling factor of 5/9, ensuring precise decimal outputs for rigorous requirements.

Formulas

The relationship between Fahrenheit and Celsius is linear but involves an offset due to the differing zero points of the scales.

T_(°C) = T_(°F) − 321.8

Alternatively, using fractions for exact calculation without repeating decimals:

T_(°C) = (

T_(°F) − 32

) × 59

Reference Data

Reference Point	Fahrenheit (°F)	Celsius (°C)	Notes
Absolute Zero	-459.67	-273.15	Theoretical lowest limit
Sublimation of Dry Ice	-109.3	-78.5	Solid CO2
Mercury Freezing Point	-37.89	-38.83	Metal becomes solid
Water Freezing Point	32	0	Standard phase change
Average Body Temperature	98.6	37	Human norm
Pasteurization (Milk)	161	71.7	15 seconds
Water Boiling Point	212	100	At 1 atm pressure
Maillard Reaction Start	284	140	Browning of food
Paper Autoignition	451	233	Approximate
Lead Melting Point	621.5	327.5	Metallurgy
Aluminum Melting Point	1221	660.3	Metallurgy
Gold Melting Point	1948	1064	Precious metals
Surface of Sun	9941	5505	Photosphere

Frequently Asked Questions

Daniel Fahrenheit set the zero point of his scale using a brine solution of ice, water, and ammonium chloride. Pure water"s freezing point stabilized at 32 degrees on this scale, creating the offset relative to the Celsius scale where water freezes at 0.

The scales intersect at -40 degrees. Therefore, -40°F is exactly equal to -40°C. This is the only point where the numerical value is identical for both units.

No directly. To get Kelvin, you must first convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, then add 273.15 to the Celsius result. Kelvin uses the same magnitude per degree as Celsius but starts at Absolute Zero.

The mathematical conversion formula remains constant regardless of altitude. However, the physical boiling point of water decreases as altitude increases (and pressure decreases), meaning water boils at a lower Fahrenheit and Celsius temperature than standard sea-level values.