Celsius Formula

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The celsius formula helps in the conversion of temperature across three different scales of temperature, Celcius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. The celsius, known as the centigrade originally, was renamed celsius by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius. A thermometer is a device used to measure the temperature and the display unit of temperature is in Celsius. The celsius formula helps in converting Celcius to Fahrenheit. Lets us learn more about the Celsius formula and solve a few examples to understand the concept better. 

Meaning of Celsius Formula 

A Celsius formula helps in converting the temperature in degrees into three units – Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. To determine the celsius formula, there are various conversion formulas that help in deriving the exact measurement. Let us learn about the different temperature scales– Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin.

  • Celsius: The Celsius temperature scale is the most often used scale to measure the temperature. The Celsius scale is used by the international system of units (SI). This scale is divided into 100 equal parts called the degrees Celsius and is marked as °C. The freezing point and the boiling point of water are 0° C and 100° C respectively. 
  • Fahrenheit: Fahrenheit is the most commonly used scale to measure the temperature in the US. The freezing point and the boiling point of water in the Fahrenheit scale measures are 32°F and  212°F respectively. 
  • Kelvin: The Kelvin scale is used by SI that is equal to 1/273.16 of the thermodynamic temperature. The freezing point and boiling point of water in the Kelvin scale are 273.15°K and 373.15°K,  respectively.

Celsius Formulas 

The celsius formulas involve 3 formulas namely – Conversion of Celsius to Fahrenheit, Conversion of Fahrenheit to Celsius, and Conversion of Celsius to Kelvin. Here is a table showcasing the formulas: 

Conversion ofFormulas
Celsius to Fahrenheit(9/5 × °C) + 32
Fahrenheit to Celsius5/9(°F – 32) 
Kelvin to CelsiusK – 273 

Where, 

  • °C is a measure of temperature in degree Celsius
  • °F is a measure of temperature in degree Fahrenheit
  • K is a measure of temperature in degree Kelvin 

Examples using Celsius Formula

Example 1: Convert temperature 400 Kelvin to Celsius? 

Solution: Given K = 400, using the celsius formula of conversion i.e.

C = K -273

C = 400 – 273 

C = 127°C

Hence, after the conversion, the temperature is 127°C

Example 2: The temperature of a body is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Using Fahrenheit to Celsius formula, find this temperature on the centigrade scale?

Solution: Given, F = 60 

Using the celsius formula of conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius, 

C = 5/9(°F – 32)

C = 5/9 × (60 – 32) 

C = 15.56 °C

Therefore, the temperature in centigrade scale is 15.56 °C

Example 3: What is 105°F on the Celsius scale? 

Solution: Given, F = 105

Using the celsius formula of conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius,

C = 5/9(°F – 32)

C = 5/9(105 – 32) 

C = 40.56 °C

Therefore, 105°F on the Celsius scale is 40.56 °C

FAQs on Celsius Formula 

What is the Meaning of Celsius Formula? 

The Celsius formula is used for the conversion of temperature across 3 different units of temperature – Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. For Celcius to Fahrenheit conversion, multiply Celcius with (9/5) and add 32. For Fahrenheit to Celcius conversion, subtract 32 from Fahrenheit and then multiply (5/9). For Celcius to Kelvin conversion just add 273 to Kelvin degrees.

What are Celsius Formulas?

The various conversion Celcius formulas are:

  • Celsius to Fahrenheit : F = (9/5 × °C) + 32
  • Fahrenheit to Celsius: C=  5/9(°F – 32) 
  • Kelvin to Celsius:  C= K – 273

How are the two main Degrees Represented in the Celsius Formulas?

The two main Temperature scales that are commonly used and acknowledged in the world for checking the temperature are Celsius and Fahrenheit. We measure boiling water or body heat with the help of a thermometer. Both the degrees Celcius and Fahrenheit are represented differently in the Celsius formulas. Celsius is written as °C (degree Celsius) and °F (degree Fahrenheit)

Convert Temperature 45°C to Fahrenheit using the Celsius Formula. 

The Celsius formula for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit is:

F = (9/5 × °C) + 32

F = (9/5 × 45) + 32

F = 113°F

Therefore, temperature 45°C = 113°F

How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius

Key Takeaways: Fahrenheit to Celsius

  • Fahrenheit is the common temperature scale in the United States, while Celsius is in use worldwide.
  • The formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius is C = 5/9(F-32).
  • Fahrenheit and Celsius are the same at -40°. At ordinary temperatures, Fahrenheit is a larger number than Celsius. For example, body temperature is 98.6 °F or 37 °C.

To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, we use the F to C formula: °C = (°F – 32) × 5/9. Here, we just substitute the temperature in Fahrenheit and simplify it to get the temperature in Celsius. This can be understood better with the help of a few examples.

Example 1: Convert 350° Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Solution: Using the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula, °C = (°F – 32) × 5/9, let us substitute the value of Fahrenheit as 350. We get, °C = (350° – 32) × 5/9 = 176.7°C

Example 2: Convert 0° Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Solution: Let us use the F to C formula to convert 0° Fahrenheit to Celsius. After substituting the value of Fahrenheit as 0°, we get, °C = (°F – 32) × 5/9 = (0° – 32) × 5/9 = -17.8°C

How to Convert Temperatures

First, you need the formula for converting Fahrenheit (F) to Celsius (C):

  • C = 5/9 x (F-32)

The notation C represents the temperature in Celsius, and F is the temperature in Fahrenheit. After you know the formula, it is easy to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius with these three steps.

  1. Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature.
  2. Multiply this number by five.
  3. Divide the result by nine.

For example, suppose the temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit and you want to know what the figure would be in Celsius. Use the above three steps:

  1. 80 F – 32 = 48
  2. 5 x 48 = 240
  3. 240 / 9 = 26.7

So the temperature in Celsius is 26.7 °C.

Fahrenheit to Celsius Example

If you want to convert a normal human body temperature (98.6 °F) to Celsius, plug the Fahrenheit temperature into the formula:

  • C = 5/9 x (F – 32)

As noted, your starting temperature is 98.6 F. So you would have:

  • C = 5/9 x (F – 32)
  • C = 5/9 x (98.6 – 32)
  • C = 5/9 x (66.6)
  • C = 37 C

Check your answer to ensure it makes sense. At ordinary temperatures, a Celsius value is always lower than the corresponding Fahrenheit value. Also, it’s helpful to keep in mind that the Celsius scale is based on the freezing and boiling points of water, where 0 °C is the freezing point and 100 °C is the boiling point. On the Fahrenheit scale, water freezes at 32 °F and boils at 212 °F.

Conversion Shortcut

You often don’t need an exact conversion. If you’re traveling to Europe, for example, and you know the temperature is 74 °F, you might want to know the approximate temperature in Celsius. Here is a quick tip for making an approximate conversion:

Fahrenheit to Celsius: Subtract 30 from the Fahrenheit temperature and then divide by two. So, using the approximation formula:

  • 74 F – 30 = 44
  • 44 / 2 = 22 °C

(If you go through the previous formula’s calculations for the exact temperature, you arrive at 23.3.)

Celsius to Fahrenheit: To reverse the approximation and convert from 22 °C to Fahrenheit, multiply by two and add 30. So:

  • 22 C x 2 = 44
  • 44 + 30 = 74 °C

Quick Conversion Table

You can save even more time by using predetermined conversions. The Old Farmer’s Almanac offers this table for making quick conversions from Fahrenheit to Celsius.

FahrenheitCelsius
-40 F-40 C
-30 F-34 C
-20 F-29 C
-10 F-23 C
0 F-18 C
10 F-12 C
20 F-7 C
32 F0 C
40 F4 C
50 F10 C
60 F16 C
70 F21 C
80 F27 C
90 F32 C
100 F38 C

Note how the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales read the same temperature at -40°.

Invention of Fahrenheit

While you’re mastering these conversions, it might be interesting to learn how the Fahrenheit temperature scale came into existence. The first mercury thermometer was invented by German scientist Daniel Fahrenheit in 1714. His scale divides the freezing and boiling points of water into 180 degrees, with 32 degrees as water’s freezing point, and 212 as its boiling point.

On Fahrenheit’s scale, zero degrees was determined as the temperature of a temperature-stable brine solution of ice, water, and ammonium chloride. He based the scale on the average temperature of the human body, which he originally calculated at 100 degrees. (As noted, it’s since been adjusted to 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.)

Fahrenheit was the standard unit of measure in most countries until the 1960s and 1970s when it was replaced with the Celsius scale in a widespread conversion to the more useful metric system. In addition to the United States and its territories, Fahrenheit is still used in the Bahamas, Belize, and the Cayman Islands for most temperature measurements.

What is Fahrenheit to Celsius?

Fahrenheit to Celsius is a term that is used when we convert a given temperature from the Fahrenheit scale to the Celsius scale. These two scales are the most commonly used scales that are used to measure temperature. Temperature scales provide a way of measuring how hot or cold a body is. The Fahrenheit to Celsius formula is also commonly referred to as the F to C formula and is used to convert temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Understanding how to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius is important for a variety of applications, from cooking and weather forecasting to science and engineering, and can help you communicate effectively with people from different parts of the world.

  • In cooking, for example, recipes from different parts of the world may use either Fahrenheit or Celsius to specify cooking temperatures. Knowing how to convert between the two scales is essential to ensure that the dish is cooked properly.
  • Similarly, in weather forecasting, temperatures are often reported in both Fahrenheit and Celsius, so it is important to know how to convert between the two scales.
  • In scientific research and engineering, temperature measurements are critical to understanding many physical and chemical processes.

Fahrenheit

Fahrenheit is a temperature scale in which water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. The symbol used for Fahrenheit is °F and the temperature is written as 32°F, 75°F, and so on.

Celsius

Celsius, which is also referred to as Centigrade is a scale in which water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees. The symbol used for Celsius is °C and the temperature is written as 100°C, 0°C, and so on.

Relationship Between Fahrenheit and Celsius

The relationship between Fahrenheit and Celsius is such that they are directly proportional to each other. When the temperature in the Celsius scale increases, the temperature in the Fahrenheit scale also increases. Similarly, when the temperature in the Celsius scale decreases, the temperature in the Fahrenheit scale also decreases. Furthermore, they have different values for the boiling point and the freezing point of water. This means that the boiling point of water is 100° C on the Celsius scale, while on the Fahrenheit scale, it is 212° F. Similarly, the freezing point of water on the Celsius scale is 0°C whereas on the Fahrenheit scale, it is 32°F. The F to C formula given in the following section explains the relationship between Fahrenheit and Celsius.

In the above figure, the absolute zero is the temperature at which the molecular motion stops and the matter has no heat to transfer. It is important to understand the difference between these two scales and their reference points when working with temperature measurements in scientific and academic applications.

Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula

The Fahrenheit to Celsius formula (F to C formula) which converts the given temperature value from °F to °C is expressed as:

°C = (°F – 32) × 5/9

Where,

  • C = Measure of temperature in degrees Celsius (°C).
  • F = Measure of temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F).

Using this formula, the value of the temperature in Fahrenheit can be converted to Celsius by substituting the value of Fahrenheit.

How to Derive Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula?

The Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula can be derived by using the concept of the equation of a line. Here, we will take x = temperature in Fahrenheit and y = temperature in Celsius. Then from the above figure, (32, 0) (= (x1, y1) ) and (212, 100) (= (x2, y2)) are two points on the line. Then the slope of the line is:

m = (y2 – y1)/(x2 – x1)
= (100 – 0) / (212 – 32)
= 100/180
= 5/9

The equation of the line by point-slope form is:

y – y1 = m (x – x1)

C – 0 = 5/9 (F – 32)

C = (F – 32) × 5/9

Hence, F to C formula is derived.

Fahrenheit to Celsius Chart

The following chart shows a few temperature values which are converted from Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Temperature in FahrenheitTemperature in Celsius
32 °F0°C (Melting point/Freezing point of water)
41 °F5°C
50 °F10°C
68 °F20°C
86 °F30°C
98.6 °F37°C (Average body temperature)
104 °F40°C
176 °F80°C
194 °F90°C
212 °F100°C (Boiling point of water)

Differences Between “Fahrenheit to Celsius” and “Celsius to Fahrenheit”

Here are the major differences between the conversions “Fahrenheit to Celsius” and “Celsius to Fahrenheit” in terms of formula, boiling point, freezing point, zero point, and scale.

 Fahrenheit to CelsiusCelsius to Fahrenheit
Formula°C = (°F – 32) × 5/9°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
Boiling Point212°F100°C
Freezing Point32°F0°C
Zero Point-459°F-273°C
ScaleWidely used in the United StatesWidely used in the world

Solved Examples of Fahrenheit to Celsius

Example 1: Convert 32° F to C using the relevant formula.

Solution:Let us substitute the value of ° F in the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula,°C = (°F – 32) × 5/9°C = (32 – 32)× 5/9 = 0°C

Answer: 32°F = 0°C

Example 2: What is 31° Fahrenheit in Celsius?

Solution:Using the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula, we can convert the given temperature to Celsius.°C = (°F – 32) × 5/9Substituting the value of F = 40C = (31 – 32) × 5/9 = – 0.55°C

Answer: 31°F = – 0.55°C

Example 3: Convert the given temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius: 50° F.

Solution:Let us use the F to C Formula to convert 50° Fahrenheit to Celsius.°C = (°F – 32) × 5/9Substituting the values,°C = (50 – 32) × 5/9 = 10°C

Answer: 50°F = 10 °C

FAQs on Fahrenheit to Celsius

What is the Conversion of Fahrenheit to Celsius?

Fahrenheit to Celsius is the conversion of a temperature value from the Fahrenheit scale to the Celsius scale. The relationship between Fahrenheit and Celsius is expressed with the formula, °C = (°F – 32) × 5/9; where C represents the value in Celsius and F represents the value in Fahrenheit.

What is the Formula to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?

The Fahrenheit to Celsius formula is expressed as °C = (°F – 32) × 5/9; in which the value of F (Fahrenheit) is substituted and we get the value in Celsius. This formula converts the given temperature value from Fahrenheit to Celsius.

What is the Range of Temperatures in Which the Fahrenheit and Celsius Scales Coincide?

-40°F is equal to -40°C. This can be obtained by substituting C = F in F to C formula: C = (F – 32) × 5/9. Then we get

F = (F – 32) × 5/9
Multiplying both sides by 9:
9F = (F – 32) × 5
Distributing 5,
9F = 5F – 160
Subtracting 5F from both sides:
4F = -160
Dividing both sides by 4,
F = -40
Since, C = F, C = -40 as well.

How to Derive the Fahrenheit to Celsius Formula?

In order to derive the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula, we need to consider their boiling and freezing points and determine the relation between them. This concludes to the formula, °C = (°F – 32) × 5/9. For detailed information, scroll up this page.

What is the F to C Formula?

The F to C formula is the abbreviated form of the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula which helps to convert the temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius. It is expressed as °C = (°F – 32) × 5/9; in which the value in Fahrenheit is substituted to get the value in Celsius.

Why do Some Countries use Fahrenheit and Others use Celsius?

The Fahrenheit scale is mainly used in the United States and a few other countries, while the Celsius scale is used in most rest of the parts of the world. This is mainly because of historical reasons and cultural differences.

How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?

A given temperature can be converted from Fahrenheit to Celsius using the F to C formula (the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula) which is expressed as °C = (°F – 32) × 5/9. For example, if we need to convert 40 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius, we will substitute the value of Fahrenheit in the formula to get, °C = (40° – 32) × 5/9 = 4.4°C. This means, 40° F = 4.4°C.

What are the Applications of the Fahrenheit Scale and the Celsius Scale?

The Fahrenheit and Celsius scales are used for weather forecasts and for measuring temperatures. The Fahrenheit scale is used in the United States, whereas most countries measure their weather and temperatures using the Celsius scale.

Why is Knowing the Conversion of Fahrenheit to Celsius Important?

Knowing how to convert between Fahrenheit and Celsius is important in many fields, such as cooking, medicine, and scientific research. It allows people from different countries and cultures to communicate effectively and make decisions based on temperature measurements.