Relation Between Celsius and Fahrenheit

Relation Between Celsius and Fahrenheit - Detailed Guide

Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jul 02, 2025 05:07 PM IST

In this article, we are going to study about the relationship between celsius and fahrenheit, how to convert 1 degree celsius to fahrenheit and vice versa , what is fahrenheit scale , what is celsius scale , how to convert 0 degree fahrenheit to celsius , 0 celsius to fahrenheit ( 0 c to f ) .

During this we will also have a glance at , what is centigrade , fahrenheit definition , celsius to fahreheit formula derivation , and celsius and fahrenheit thermometer.

So let’s start our discussion one by one .

Relationship between celsius and fahrenheit/ relationship between celcius and farenheit/ relation between degree celsius and fahrenheit

The conversion formula for a temperature that is expressed on the Centigrade scale ( C ) to its Fahrenheit scale ( F ) representation is or the relationship between Celsius and Fahrenheit scale is:

F = 9 / 5 C + 32.

Celsius temperature scale is also known as centigrade temperature scale , it is the scale based on 0 for the freezing point of water and 100 for the boiling point of water.

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Relationship between celsius and fahrenheit/ relationship between celcius and farenheit/ relation between degree celsius and fahrenheit
Relationship between celsius and fahrenheit
Difference between celsius and fahrenheit

Relation Between Celsius and Fahrenheit - Detailed Guide

What is centigrade ?

Celsius is also called a centigrade. It is also the unit of temperature. It is based on 0° for the freezing point of water and 100° for the boiling point of water. The formula used to convert the temperature from the Fahrenheit ( °F ) scale to the Celsius ( °C ) value is :

°C = 5/9(°F − 32).

The Celsius scale is used generally when the metric system of units is used , also it has wide use in science field everywhere.

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Definition of fahrenheit or what is fahrenheit scale ?

Fahrenheit is a scale used for measuring temperature degree, in which water freeze down at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees. It is represented by the symbol °F. It was invented by physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in the year 1724.

The given formula can be used to convert degree Celsius to it’s Fahrenheit :

°F = ( 9/5 x °C ) + 32 .

Fahrenheit is widely used in the United States by the National Weather Service of the US.

Celsius to fahreheit formula derivation

Derivation of relation between Celsius and Fahrenheit.

By examining for similarity, the number of degrees from the freezing point of water to water’s boiling point on Celsius and Fahrenheit scale to find out the ratio and add in the dissimilarity between the freezing points.

The Fahrenheit freezing point of water is 32∘ F and water’s boiling point is 212∘ F.

212 ∘F−32 ∘F = 180 ∘F

between the freezing point and boiling point of water.

The Celsius freezing point of water is 0 ∘C and water’s boiling point is 100 ∘C.

100 ∘C – 0 ∘C = 100∘C between water's freezing and boiling points.

Hence, results in a relationship between Celsius to Fahrenheit of 100180 or 59, and
hence, results in a relationship between Fahrenheit to Celsius of 180100 or 95.

We got,

32∘F = 0∘C , therefore

The formula for ∘C to ∘F is

(∘C × 9/5) + 32 = ∘F

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Relationship between celsius and fahrenheit

Celsius and fahrenheit scale is formulated as:

°C = 5/9 (°F − 32)

Similarly, we found relation between fahrenheit scale and celsius scale (convert farahenheit to celsius )

°F = ( 9/5 x °C ) + 32

Difference between celsius and fahrenheit

Celsius scale

Celsius is the scale of temperature in which 0 o C represents the melting point of ice while 100 o C represents the boiling point of water.
The absolute zero in the Celsius scale is 273.15 o C.

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Fahrenheit scale

Fahrenheit is a scale of temperature in which 32 o F represents the melting point of water.
The absolute zero in Fahrenheit is - 459.67 o C

Also, now we can draw a celsius vs fahrenheit graph

GRAPH BETWEEN C AND F

Celsius vs fahrenheit graph

NCERT Physics Notes:

How to convert 0 degree fahrenheit to celsius and 0 celsius to fahrenheit ( 0 c to f ) .

The formula used convert 0 degree Fahrenheit to Celsius on and zero degree Celsius to Fahrenheit is given as follows

°C = 5/9 (°F − 32) . . . . 1

°F = ( 9/5 x °C ) + 32 . . . . 2

0 degree Celsius is equal to 32 degrees Fahrenheit from eq 1.

0 degree Fahrenheit is equal to -17.778 degrees Celsius from eq 2.

Hence through this article we all have now an exact idea of the relationship between celsius and fahrenheit , how to convert 1 degree celsius to fahrenheit and vice versa , what is fahrenheit scale , what is celsius scale , how to convert 0 degree fahrenheit to celsius , 0 celsius to fahrenheit ( 0 c to f ) , what is centigrade , fahrenheit definition , celsius to fahrenheit formula derivation , and celsius and fahrenheit thermometer.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many fahrenheits in 1 degree celsius?

It is 33.8 degrees Fahrenheit in 1 degree Celsius.

2. What is Celsius and Fahrenheit thermometer?

Celsius thermometer is used to determine the temperature of substances like water or any solution ghost properties varies with this temperature whereas Fahrenheit thermometer is used to determine the temperature of a body . The boiling point of water is set on a Celsius scale that is 100 degrees Celsius whereas the normal body temperature in Fahrenheit is 37 degrees Fahrenheit . Though both scales can be used two major both types of quantities .

3. What is the relation between different temperature scales like Celsius Fahrenheit and Kelvin?

There are three types of temperature scales used to determine the temperature of any object

Kelvin (K) , Celsius (C) and Fahrenheit(F)

Relation between Kelvin and Celsius is

K=C+273

Relation between Celsius and Fahrenheit is

F = 9/5(C) + 32

Relation between different temperature scales is

C/5 = (F-32)/9 = (K+273)/5

4. Is there any relationship between temperature and time ?

No, there is no relationship between temperature and time. Many physical phenomena can be slowed by decrease in temperature.

5. Convert 1 degrees celsius to fahrenheit.

1 degrees= 33.8 Fahrenheit

6. Convert 0 fahrenheit to celsius.

0 Fahrenheit= -17.778 Celsius

7. Why do we need two different temperature scales like Celsius and Fahrenheit?

We have two scales primarily due to historical reasons. Celsius was developed by Anders Celsius in Sweden, while Fahrenheit was created by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in the Netherlands. Both scales were based on different reference points and gained popularity in different regions. Today, Celsius is more widely used in scientific contexts and most countries, while Fahrenheit is still common in the United States for everyday use.

8. What's the fundamental difference between Celsius and Fahrenheit scales?

The fundamental difference lies in their reference points and scale divisions. Celsius uses the freezing (0°C) and boiling (100°C) points of water at standard atmospheric pressure as its main reference points, with 100 divisions between them. Fahrenheit, however, uses 32°F for water's freezing point and 212°F for its boiling point, with 180 divisions between these points.

9. Why does water freeze at 0°C but 32°F?

This difference is due to how the scales were originally defined. Celsius was designed with 0° as water's freezing point, while Fahrenheit used 0° for the lowest temperature Fahrenheit could produce in his lab (a mixture of ice, water, and salt). The 32°F freezing point of water was a result of Fahrenheit's calibration method, not an arbitrary choice.

10. Is there a temperature where Celsius and Fahrenheit readings are the same?

Yes, Celsius and Fahrenheit scales intersect at -40°. This means -40°C is equal to -40°F. This is the only point where the two scales give the same numerical reading.

11. How can I quickly estimate Celsius temperatures in Fahrenheit?

A rough estimation can be made by doubling the Celsius temperature and adding 30. For example, 20°C would be approximately (20 × 2) + 30 = 70°F. This method isn't exact but can give you a quick mental estimate. For more precision, you'd need to use the exact conversion formula.

12. Why do we use fractions (5/9 and 9/5) in temperature conversions?

These fractions represent the ratio between Celsius and Fahrenheit degrees. There are 100 Celsius degrees between water's freezing and boiling points, but 180 Fahrenheit degrees. The ratio 180/100 simplifies to 9/5, and its reciprocal is 5/9. These fractions ensure accurate conversion between the scales.

13. What's the exact formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?

The exact formula is: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. This formula applies the correct scale factor (9/5) between Celsius and Fahrenheit degrees and adjusts for the different zero points by adding 32.

14. At what temperature is a Celsius reading twice the Fahrenheit reading?

This occurs at -40°. At this temperature, both scales give the same numerical reading (-40), so the Celsius reading is indeed twice the Fahrenheit reading. This is a unique point where the scales align in this way.

15. Why do we add 32 when converting Celsius to Fahrenheit?

We add 32 because the Fahrenheit scale starts at a different point than Celsius. While 0°C represents the freezing point of water, this same point is at 32°F on the Fahrenheit scale. The addition of 32 accounts for this offset between the two scales.

16. How do I convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?

To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, use the formula: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. First, you subtract 32 to adjust for the different zero points, then multiply by 5/9 to account for the different scale divisions.

17. What's the relationship between the size of a degree in Celsius and Fahrenheit?

One degree Celsius is larger than one degree Fahrenheit. Specifically, 1°C = 1.8°F. This means that the Celsius scale has larger degree increments, which is why there are fewer degrees between water's freezing and boiling points in Celsius (100) compared to Fahrenheit (180).

18. Why is 37°C considered normal body temperature, but we often hear 98.6°F?

37°C and 98.6°F are the same temperature. The discrepancy in how we express it comes from the different scales and rounding. 37°C converts exactly to 98.6°F. Historically, 98.6°F became the commonly cited number in Fahrenheit-using countries, while 37°C is used in Celsius-using countries.

19. Is there a "triple point" for Celsius and Fahrenheit scales?

While not typically called a "triple point" in this context, there is a unique point where Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin scales align. This occurs at -40°, where Celsius and Fahrenheit readings are the same, and the Kelvin temperature is 233.15 K.

20. How do I convert temperature differences or intervals between scales?

To convert a temperature difference or interval from Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 1.8 (or 9/5). From Fahrenheit to Celsius, multiply by 5/9. Unlike converting actual temperatures, you don't need to add or subtract 32 when converting intervals.

21. How do negative temperatures work in these scales?

Negative temperatures in both scales simply indicate temperatures below the scale's zero point. In Celsius, negative temperatures are below water's freezing point. In Fahrenheit, negative temperatures are below 0°F, which is colder than water's freezing point (32°F).

22. Why does the Celsius scale use 0° and 100° for water's freezing and boiling points?

Anders Celsius chose these points for simplicity and ease of calibration. Using 0° and 100° creates a 100-point scale between these two easily reproducible states of water, making it convenient for scientific use and general understanding.

23. How accurate are the freezing and boiling points on these scales in real-world conditions?

The exact freezing (0°C/32°F) and boiling (100°C/212°F) points are accurate at standard atmospheric pressure (1 atm). In real-world conditions, these points can vary slightly due to factors like atmospheric pressure, altitude, and the purity of water.

24. Why does the Fahrenheit scale use 32° for freezing and 212° for boiling?

Fahrenheit's original scale was based on three points: 0° (the temperature of a mixture of ice, water, and salt), 32° (the freezing point of water), and 96° (approximate human body temperature). The scale was later adjusted, making the boiling point of water 212°, exactly 180 degrees above freezing.

25. How does altitude affect the boiling point on these scales?

Altitude affects the boiling point because it changes atmospheric pressure. At higher altitudes, where atmospheric pressure is lower, water boils at a lower temperature. For example, on Mount Everest, water boils at about 70°C (158°F) instead of 100°C (212°F).

26. How does the Kelvin scale relate to Celsius and Fahrenheit?

The Kelvin scale is directly related to Celsius, with the same size degrees but a different zero point. 0 K is absolute zero, which is -273.15°C. To convert Celsius to Kelvin, simply add 273.15. Fahrenheit requires a two-step conversion: first to Celsius, then to Kelvin.

27. Why do scientists prefer Celsius over Fahrenheit?

Scientists prefer Celsius for several reasons: it's based on the properties of water, making it easy to reproduce; it's part of the metric system, which is used globally in science; and it has a straightforward relationship with the Kelvin scale, which is the SI unit for temperature.

28. How do I remember which scale boils water at 100 degrees?

A helpful memory aid is "C for Cooking" - Celsius has 100° as the boiling point of water, which is useful for cooking. Alternatively, you can remember that Celsius is "Centigrade," meaning "100 steps," referring to the 100 degrees between freezing and boiling.

29. Why doesn't the U.S. use Celsius like most other countries?

The U.S. continues to use Fahrenheit primarily due to historical momentum and the costs associated with changing an entire country's system. The U.S. considered switching to metric (including Celsius) in the 1970s, but the effort wasn't fully implemented due to various political and practical challenges.

30. How do wind chill factors affect temperature readings in Celsius vs Fahrenheit?

Wind chill factors affect the perceived temperature, not the actual air temperature. The effect is the same regardless of the scale used, but the numerical difference appears larger in Fahrenheit due to its smaller degree size. For example, a wind chill of 10°F below the actual temperature would be about 5.6°C below in Celsius.

31. How do thermometers measure temperature in these different scales?

The physical mechanism of a thermometer (e.g., expansion of mercury or alcohol) is the same regardless of the scale. The difference lies in how the scale is marked on the thermometer. Digital thermometers use sensors and can be programmed to display either scale.

32. Why do some countries use Celsius for air temperature but Fahrenheit for body temperature?

This mixed usage is often due to historical and cultural factors. Celsius may have been adopted for general use, but Fahrenheit remained in use for body temperature due to its familiar range (normal being around 98.6°F) and slightly finer gradations without decimals.

33. How do the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales handle extreme temperatures?

Both scales can handle extreme temperatures equally well mathematically. However, at very low temperatures, Celsius might be more intuitive as it aligns with the Kelvin scale (used in science for extreme cold). For very high temperatures, both scales require large numbers, and scientists often prefer Kelvin.

34. Why do some digital thermometers switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit?

Digital thermometers often have a switch function to cater to users familiar with different scales. This feature is particularly useful in countries transitioning between systems or in international contexts where people might be used to different scales.

35. Why don't we just use one universal temperature scale?

Ideally, using one scale would simplify global communication about temperature. However, changing established systems is challenging due to cultural inertia, costs of conversion, and the need for widespread education. In scientific contexts, the Kelvin scale serves as a universal standard.

36. Why does water boil at lower temperatures at high altitudes in both scales?

Water boils at lower temperatures at high altitudes due to lower atmospheric pressure, not because of the temperature scale used. This phenomenon is observed equally in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. The scales simply provide different numerical representations of the same physical reality.

37. How do Celsius and Fahrenheit affect cooking instructions and food safety guidelines?

Cooking instructions and food safety guidelines are typically given in the scale most commonly used in a particular country. In Celsius-using countries, common cooking temperatures might be

38. Why does the Fahrenheit scale seem more precise for weather temperatures?

The Fahrenheit scale can seem more precise for weather because it has smaller degree increments. A 1°F change is about 0.56°C, allowing for finer distinctions without using decimals. However, this perceived precision doesn't necessarily mean greater accuracy in measurement.

39. Is there a temperature where adding the Celsius and Fahrenheit readings gives 100?

Yes, this occurs at about 29.4°C or 84.9°F. At this point, the Celsius reading (29.4) plus the Fahrenheit reading (84.9) equals approximately 100. This is an interesting mathematical coincidence rather than a physically significant point.

40. How do I quickly convert oven temperatures between Celsius and Fahrenheit?

For oven temperatures, you can use these rough estimates:

41. Is there a temperature where the Fahrenheit reading is double the Celsius reading?

Yes, this occurs at 160°F, which is equivalent to 71.1°C. At this point, the Fahrenheit reading (160) is exactly double the Celsius reading (80). This is another interesting mathematical property of the two scales.

42. How do I remember the formula for converting between Celsius and Fahrenheit?

A mnemonic device for remembering the Celsius to Fahrenheit formula (°F = °C × 9/5 + 32) is "Multiply by 9, divide by 5, add 32." For Fahrenheit to Celsius, remember "Subtract 32, multiply by 5, divide by 9."

43. Why doesn't doubling the Celsius temperature and adding 30 give the exact Fahrenheit equivalent?

This method (°C × 2 + 30) is only an approximation. It doesn't account for the exact 9/5 ratio between the scales or the precise 32°F offset. It works reasonably well for temperatures around 10°C to 30°C but becomes less accurate for extreme temperatures.

44. How do the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales relate to absolute zero?

Absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature, is -273.15°C or -459.67°F. The Kelvin scale is defined with 0 K at absolute zero, making it easy to relate Celsius to absolute temperatures (just add 273.15). Fahrenheit requires a more complex conversion.

45. How do I convert a temperature range given in one scale to the other?

To convert a temperature range, you need to convert both the lower and upper limits separately. For example, to convert 20-30°C to Fahrenheit:

46. Why does the Fahrenheit scale have a larger range between freezing and boiling points of water?

The larger range in Fahrenheit (180°F between freezing and boiling) compared to Celsius (100°C) is due to the different definitions of the scales. Fahrenheit chose his scale divisions to avoid fractions in common temperature measurements of his time, resulting in smaller degree increments.

47. How do the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales affect the perception of temperature changes?

Because Fahrenheit degrees are smaller, a one-degree change in Fahrenheit represents a smaller temperature difference than a one-degree change in Celsius. This can affect how people perceive temperature changes, with Fahrenheit users potentially being more sensitive to small variations.

48. Is there a simple way to estimate Fahrenheit temperatures below freezing in Celsius?

For temperatures below freezing, you can use this rough estimate: for every 10°F below 32°F, subtract about 5.5°C from 0°C. For example, 22°F is 10°F below freezing, so it's approximately -5.5°C. This method isn't exact but can give a quick mental estimate.

49. How do the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales impact climate change discussions?

The choice of scale can affect the perception of climate change data. A 2°C increase (a common threshold in climate discussions) might seem small, but it's equivalent to 3.6°F, which might sound more significant to those used to the Fahrenheit scale. Scientists typically use Celsius to maintain consistency in global discussions.

50. How do Celsius and Fahrenheit compare in terms of precision in everyday use?

Fahrenheit offers slightly more precision without using decimals due to its smaller degree size. However, for most everyday purposes, this additional precision is not necessary. Celsius, with its larger degree size, is often sufficient for general weather and cooking needs.

51. What role do Celsius and Fahrenheit play in understanding heat transfer?

Both scales can be used to understand heat transfer, as they both measure temperature differences. The key is understanding that heat flows from higher to lower temperatures, regardless of the scale used. In scientific calculations, temperature differences are often more important than absolute values.

52. How do the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales relate to human comfort levels?

Human comfort levels can be described using either scale, but people tend to relate better to the scale they're most familiar with. Generally, room temperature is considered around 20-22°C or 68-72°F. The Fahrenheit scale was originally calibrated with human body temperature in mind, which might make it feel more intuitive for some.