1 Fahrenheit equals approximately -17.2222 Celsius.
The conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius uses a formula that subtracts 32 from the Fahrenheit value, then multiplies the result by 5/9. This formula adjusts for the different starting points and scaling of the two temperature scales, allowing you to find the equivalent temperature in Celsius.
Conversion Tool
Result in celsius:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Fahrenheit (F) to Celsius (C) is:
C = (F – 32) × 5/9
This works because the Fahrenheit scale sets the freezing point of water at 32 degrees, and boiling at 212 degrees, while Celsius sets freezing at 0 and boiling at 100. So, subtracting 32 shifts the zero point, and multiplying by 5/9 scales the difference between the degrees.
Step-by-step for 1°F:
- Subtract 32: 1 – 32 = -31
- Multiply by 5/9: -31 × 5/9 = -31 × 0.5555… ≈ -17.2222
- Result: -17.2222°C
Conversion Example
- Convert 50°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: 50 – 32 = 18
- Multiply by 5/9: 18 × 5/9 = 18 × 0.5555… = 10
- Celsius value: 10°C
- Convert -40°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: -40 – 32 = -72
- Multiply by 5/9: -72 × 5/9 = -72 × 0.5555… = -40
- Celsius value: -40°C (same temperature!)
- Convert 100°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: 100 – 32 = 68
- Multiply by 5/9: 68 × 5/9 = 68 × 0.5555… ≈ 37.7778
- Celsius value: 37.7778°C
- Convert 0°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: 0 – 32 = -32
- Multiply by 5/9: -32 × 5/9 = -17.7778
- Celsius value: -17.7778°C
Conversion Chart
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -31.11 |
| -20.0 | -28.89 |
| -16.0 | -26.67 |
| -12.0 | -24.44 |
| -8.0 | -22.22 |
| -4.0 | -20.00 |
| 0.0 | -17.78 |
| 4.0 | -15.56 |
| 8.0 | -13.33 |
| 12.0 | -11.11 |
| 16.0 | -8.89 |
| 20.0 | -6.67 |
| 22.0 | -5.56 |
| 24.0 | -4.44 |
| 26.0 | -3.33 |
This chart shows Fahrenheit temperatures from -24.0 to 26.0 and their Celsius equivalents. Read across each row to find the matching Celsius value for a specific Fahrenheit number, useful when quick conversions needed without calculation.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is 1°F in Celsius rounded to two decimal places?
- How much colder is 1°F compared to 0°C in Celsius?
- Can I convert 1 degree Fahrenheit directly to Celsius without a calculator?
- What does 1 degree Fahrenheit equal in Celsius for weather reports?
- How do you explain the temperature difference between 1°F and 1°C?
- Is 1 Fahrenheit closer to freezing or boiling point in Celsius?
- What temperature in Celsius corresponds to 1°F on the Celsius scale?
Conversion Definitions
Fahrenheit: Fahrenheit is a temperature scale where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees, under standard atmospheric pressure. It was created by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in the early 18th century and still used in some countries, mostly the United States, for weather and cooking temperatures.
Celsius: Celsius is a temperature scale used worldwide, where 0 degrees is the freezing point of water and 100 degrees the boiling point, at sea level pressure. Proposed by Anders Celsius in 1742, it is part of the metric system and commonly used in science and everyday temperature measurement outside the US.
Conversion FAQs
Why does subtracting 32 in the formula matter?
Subtracting 32 adjusts the Fahrenheit value to a zero point that aligns with the Celsius scale’s freezing point. Since Fahrenheit starts at 32 for freezing water, this step shifts the scale so the difference can be properly converted using the multiplication factor.
Can negative Fahrenheit temperatures be converted the same way?
Yes, negative Fahrenheit temperatures can be converted using the same formula. The subtraction and multiplication operate the same, but result in negative Celsius values reflecting temperatures below freezing or zero on the Celsius scale.
Why multiply by 5/9 in the conversion?
The 5/9 factor accounts for the different size increments in each scale. Fahrenheit degrees are smaller than Celsius degrees, so multiplying by five-ninths rescales the temperature difference from Fahrenheit units to Celsius units.
Is the conversion exact for all temperatures?
The formula provides an exact mathematical conversion. However, displayed results often rounded, so very precise applications might consider more decimal places or use scientific instruments for measurement.
Is there a simpler way to estimate Celsius from Fahrenheit?
For rough estimates, subtracting 30 and dividing by 2 gives a close Celsius approximation. But this is less accurate than the full formula and can be off by a few degrees, so not recommended where precision needed.