How to Convert Between the Fahrenheit and Celsius Temperature Scales

Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit.

If you travel outside the United States, then you'll likely to need convert temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius and vice versa so you know what to pack and wear while you're abroad. For example, if the temperature in your destination is 30 degrees C, that means you need shorts and sandals, not a parka and hat. There are plenty of Fahrenheit-to-Celsius calculators out there, but if you want to test your math skills, there's a simple formula you can follow to make the conversion yourself.

Things You'll Need

• pen/pencil
• paper
• calculator

Instructions

1. Start with the equation F=1.8C+32. F refers to the number of Fahrenheit degrees, and C refers to the number of Celsius degrees.

2. Fill in the value that you know. It will be either Fahrenheit or Celsius.

3. Solve for the missing variable.

4. As an example, convert 50 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius. Plug in 50 for F to get 50=1.8C+32. Now subtract 32 from both sides to get 18=1.8C. Finally, divide both sides by 1.8. C=10, so the corresponding Celsius temperature is 10 degrees Celsius.

5. Convert 5 degrees Celsius to Fahrenheit. Plug in 5 for C to get F=1.8(5)+32. Simplify this now, so F=41 degrees, so the corresponding Fahrenheit temperature is 41 degrees.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check your work.

References

• CSG Network: Celsius and Fahrenheit Conversion