How to Convert Temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius

Part 8 of my Baking Basics series: Here’s how to convert temperatures you see in recipes from Fahrenheit to Celsius (or vice versa) – we talk about the formula and math, as well as a quick tip using your thermometer!

Just like I couldn’t possibly explain why the United States doesn’t use metric measurements for ingredients, we also don’t use Celsius temperature scale.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in conversation with someone, not realizing their not American, and heard them say something like, “It was so hot! I think it was 32 degrees that day” to which I stare blankly wondering why they would think snow was hot.

Ding ding ding! It’s because they’re talking about 32 degrees Celsius. [facepalm]

I know non-US readers must get frustrated reading my recipes in Fahrenheit, so I wanted to shed a little light on the conversion formula and provide some of the most frequently used temperatures in an easy to reference chart.

The formula for converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius

The temperature conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius isn’t as difficult as you might think!

(°F − 32) × 5 / 9 = °C

I know, I know – math. But here’s the conversion to celsius spelled out in steps:

1. Subtract 32 from the °F temperature
2. Multiply this number by 5
3. Divide that number by 9

Example:

(350°F − 32) × 5 / 9 = 176°C

Conversely, if you are looking to convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit:

(°C × 9 / 5) + 32 = °F

Frequently used temperature conversions

Converting Fahrenheit to Celsius without math

Don’t want to do the math while you’re in the midst of trying to cook something that requires a digital thermometer? Check the different settings on your model – it might have a button to change your readings from Fahrenheit to Celsius in an instant. Boom! No math necessary.

That button is one of the many things I adore about my Thermoworks ChefAlarm.

I hope this helps! Are there any questions about converting baking temperatures that I didn’t answer? Let me know in the comments below!