How to Convert Body Temperature From Fahrenheit to Celsius

Use a formula to convert body temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Fahrenheit, Celsius and Kelvin are scales used to measure temperature. Used in the United States, Fahrenheit is based on a scale that recognizes 32 degrees as the freezing point of water and 212 degrees as its boiling point. Convert Fahrenheit degrees to Celsius with an online converter or temperature chart, or calculate the equivalent Celsius temperature with a formula. On the Celsius scale, 0 is freezing and 100 is the boiling point for water.

Instructions

1. Subtract 32 from the temperature in Fahrenheit. For example, if your body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and you subtract 32, the result is 66.6.

2. Divide the new total by 9. When you divide 66.6 by 9, the result is 7.4.

3. Multiply the new total by 5. If you multiply 7.4 by 5, the result is 37. This number is the equivalent temperature in Celsius, 37 degrees.

Tips & Warnings

• Reverse the steps to convert Celsius back to Fahrenheit. Multiply the Celsius temperature by 9, divide the result by 5 and add 32 to the total. That gives you the temperature in Fahrenheit.

References

• NASA: Temperature Scales and Absolute Zero
• National Climatic Data Center: Conversion Chart and Formula

Resources

• MayoClinic.com: Thermometer Basics
• National Weather Service Forecast Office: Fahrenheit to Celsius Converter