How to Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?

Explore the steps how to convert C to F (Celsius to Fahrenheit):

Multiply the Celsius temperature by 9.
Divide the result of step 1 by 5.
Add 32 to the result of step 2

These steps are applicable to any celsius degree temperature numbers to be converted to fahrenheit temperature degree.

celsius to fahrenheit formula

To understand difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit, explore further the essence of each scale, history and application.

Celsius Scale

The Celsius scale, also known as the centigrade scale, is a temperature scale used by the International System of Units (SI). It was originally defined by the freezing point of water (0 degrees Celsius) and its boiling point (100 degrees Celsius) at 1 atmosphere of pressure. This scale is named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who first proposed it in 1742.

In the Celsius scale:

0°C marks the freezing point of water.
100°C marks the boiling point of water, at sea level and standard atmospheric pressure.

The scale is used worldwide for most temperature measuring purposes, especially in scientific contexts and most countries outside the United States. The Celsius temperature scale is convenient for many scientific calculations because it simplifies the arithmetic by eliminating the need for fractions or decimals when dealing with the freezing and boiling points of water.

celsius to fahrenheit

Summary of Celsius Scale:

SI temperature scale.
0°C: Water freezes.
100°C: Water boils (at 1 atm).
Named after Anders Celsius (1742).
Used globally, especially in science.

Fahrenheit Scale

The Fahrenheit scale is a temperature scale based on one proposed by the German physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724. On this scale, the freezing point of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) and the boiling point is 212 degrees Fahrenheit at standard atmospheric pressure. This places the boiling and freezing points of water exactly 180 degrees apart. Therefore, a degree on the Fahrenheit scale is 1/180 of the interval between the freezing and boiling points of water.

Key points about the Fahrenheit scale include:

Freezing point of water: 32°F
Boiling point of water: 212°F (at 1 atmosphere of pressure)
Usage: Primarily used in the United States, and some territories and nations for everyday applications such as weather forecasting, in household use, and in industrial settings.

The Fahrenheit scale is named after its inventor, Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, who is also known for inventing the mercury-in-glass thermometer. While most countries use the Celsius scale, the Fahrenheit scale is still used in some contexts due to historical and cultural reasons, especially in the United States.