Fahrenheit Conversion Tool - Convert °F to Any Unit
Convert Fahrenheit to Other Temperature Units
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Convert Other Temperature Units to Fahrenheit
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Related Temperature Units
Degree Celsius (°C)
The SI derived unit of temperature, where 0°C is the freezing point of water.
Kelvin (K)
The SI base unit of temperature, where 0 K is absolute zero.
Degree Rankine (°R)
A thermodynamic temperature scale related to Fahrenheit, where 0°R is absolute zero.
Degree Réaumur (°Re)
A temperature scale where the freezing and boiling points of water are 0°Re and 80°Re.
Fahrenheit Conversion Table
This table provides quick conversions from common Fahrenheit values to other temperature scales. Use this reference for a fast overview of temperature equivalents.
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) | Rankine (°R) |
|---|---|---|---|
| -459.67 °F (Absolute Zero) | -273.15 °C | 0 K | 0 °R |
| -40 °F | -40 °C | 233.15 K | 419.67 °R |
| 0 °F | -17.78 °C | 255.37 K | 459.67 °R |
| 32 °F (Freezing Point of Water) | 0 °C | 273.15 K | 491.67 °R |
| 70 °F (Room Temperature) | 21.11 °C | 294.26 K | 529.67 °R |
| 98.6 °F (Body Temperature) | 37 °C | 310.15 K | 558.27 °R |
| 212 °F (Boiling Point of Water) | 100 °C | 373.15 K | 671.67 °R |
What is a Degree Fahrenheit?
The degree Fahrenheit (symbol: °F) is a unit of temperature on the Fahrenheit scale. On this scale, the freezing point of water is 32°F and the boiling point is 212°F at standard atmospheric pressure. This places the boiling and freezing points of water exactly 180 degrees apart.
While most of the world uses the Celsius scale, the Fahrenheit scale is still the primary scale for daily temperature measurement in the United States and its territories. Our Fahrenheit conversion tool helps you easily convert between °F and other units like Celsius and Kelvin.
Is Fahrenheit an SI Unit?
No, the degree Fahrenheit is not an SI unit. The SI base unit for temperature is the Kelvin (K). However, Fahrenheit can be precisely converted to and from Kelvin or the SI derived unit, Celsius (°C). The relationship is defined by specific formulas rather than a simple multiplier:
- Fahrenheit to Celsius: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
- Fahrenheit to Kelvin: K = (°F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15
What is Fahrenheit Used For?
The Fahrenheit scale is primarily used for non-scientific temperature measurements in a few countries, most notably the United States.
Weather Reporting
Daily weather forecasts in the U.S. are given in degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a hot summer day might be 90°F (about 32°C).
Cooking and Baking
Many ovens and recipes in the U.S. use Fahrenheit. For instance, a cake might be baked at 350°F (about 177°C).
Home Thermostats
Heating and air conditioning systems in the U.S. are set using the Fahrenheit scale. A comfortable room temperature is often considered to be around 70°F (21°C).
Medical Contexts
Body temperature in the U.S. is typically measured in Fahrenheit. Normal human body temperature is considered to be around 98.6°F (37°C).
Etymology and History
The Fahrenheit scale was proposed in 1724 by the physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. He originally based his scale on three fixed points: 0°F was the freezing point of a brine solution, 32°F was the freezing point of water, and 96°F was his estimate of the average human body temperature.
Fahrenheit was the first to use mercury in a thermometer, which allowed for more precise measurements over a wider range of temperatures than the alcohol-based thermometers of the time. His scale was the primary standard for temperature measurement in most English-speaking countries until the widespread adoption of the metric system and the Celsius scale in the mid-20th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert Fahrenheit to Celsius?
To convert from Fahrenheit (°F) to Celsius (°C), use the formula: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. For example, to convert 68°F to Celsius, you would calculate (68 - 32) × 5/9, which equals 20°C. Our converter tool above can do this instantly.
Why does the United States still use Fahrenheit?
The U.S. continues to use Fahrenheit largely due to historical precedent, cultural attachment, and the high cost of transitioning to the metric system. For everyday use, many people are familiar with the Fahrenheit scale and see no compelling reason to switch from what is already established in infrastructure and daily life.
What is absolute zero in Fahrenheit?
Absolute zero, the point at which all molecular motion ceases, is 0 Kelvin. On the Fahrenheit scale, this is equivalent to -459.67°F. This is also the zero point of the Rankine scale (0°R).
Is there a temperature where Fahrenheit and Celsius are equal?
Yes, the Fahrenheit and Celsius scales are equal at -40 degrees. -40°F is the same temperature as -40°C. This is the only point where the two scales intersect.
What is a comfortable room temperature in Fahrenheit?
A comfortable room temperature is typically considered to be between 68°F and 72°F (20°C to 22°C). This range is a common setting for home thermostats in the United States.
Is your Fahrenheit conversion tool free?
Yes, our Fahrenheit conversion calculator is completely free to use. You can perform unlimited conversions without any registration. We aim to provide a simple and accurate tool for students, professionals, and anyone needing to convert temperature units.