1 degree Fahrenheit is approximately -17.2222 degrees Celsius.
To convert 1 Fahrenheit to Celsius, we subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit value, then multiply by 5/9. This process adjusts the Fahrenheit temperature scale to match the Celsius scale, which has different zero points and increments.
Conversion Tool
Result in celsius:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is C = (F – 32) × 5/9. You start by subtracting 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature because Fahrenheit scale’s zero point is 32 degrees higher than Celsius for freezing water. Then multiplying by 5/9 changes the scale’s unit size from Fahrenheit degrees to Celsius degrees.
For example, converting 1°F:
- Subtract 32: 1 – 32 = -31
- Multiply by 5/9: -31 × 5/9 = -17.2222
- Result: -17.2222°C
Conversion Example
- Convert 50°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: 50 – 32 = 18
- Multiply by 5/9: 18 × 5/9 = 10
- Answer: 10°C
- Convert 100°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: 100 – 32 = 68
- Multiply by 5/9: 68 × 5/9 ≈ 37.7778
- Answer: 37.7778°C
- Convert -40°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: -40 – 32 = -72
- Multiply by 5/9: -72 × 5/9 = -40
- Answer: -40°C (interesting because both scales match here)
- Convert 212°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: 212 – 32 = 180
- Multiply by 5/9: 180 × 5/9 = 100
- Answer: 100°C
Conversion Chart
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -31.1111 |
| -20.0 | -28.8889 |
| -16.0 | -26.6667 |
| -12.0 | -24.4444 |
| -8.0 | -22.2222 |
| -4.0 | -20.0000 |
| 0.0 | -17.7778 |
| 4.0 | -15.5556 |
| 8.0 | -13.3333 |
| 12.0 | -11.1111 |
| 16.0 | -8.8889 |
| 20.0 | -6.6667 |
| 22.0 | -5.5556 |
| 24.0 | -4.4444 |
| 26.0 | -3.3333 |
This chart helps to quickly find Celsius values for Fahrenheit temperatures between -24.0°F and 26.0°F. You find the Fahrenheit temperature in the left column and look right to see its Celsius equivalent. It useful for rough temperature estimation without calculation.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is the Celsius equivalent of 1°F in decimal form?
- How do you convert 1 degree Fahrenheit to Celsius step by step?
- Why does 1°F become a negative Celsius value?
- Is 1°F colder than 0°C or warmer?
- How accurate is the conversion from 1°F to Celsius using the formula?
- Can I convert 1 Fahrenheit to Celsius without a calculator?
- What temperature in Celsius corresponds to 1°F in weather reports?
Conversion Definitions
Fahrenheit: Fahrenheit is a temperature scale where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees at sea level. It uses increments called degrees Fahrenheit, primarily used in the United States, some Caribbean countries, and Liberia for everyday temperature measurements.
Celsius: Celsius is a temperature scale where water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees at sea level. It divides the interval between freezing and boiling into 100 equal parts called degrees Celsius, widely used by most countries worldwide for scientific and daily measurements.
Conversion FAQs
Why does subtracting 32 matter in the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula?
Subtracting 32 accounts for the difference in zero points between Fahrenheit and Celsius scales. Water freezes at 32°F but at 0°C. This offset shifts the Fahrenheit temperature down so it aligns with the Celsius starting point before scaling.
Can the conversion formula give negative Celsius for positive Fahrenheit?
Yes, because Fahrenheit values below 32 correspond to temperatures below freezing in Celsius. For example, 1°F is well below 32°F so its Celsius equivalent is negative, approximately -17.2222°C.
Is the Celsius result always exact after conversion?
No, converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius can produce decimal values with many digits. The result is often rounded to a few decimal places for practicality, but the exact value can have more digits depending on the input.
What temperature scales are used in weather forecasting?
Most countries use Celsius for weather forecasts, while the United States and a few others use Fahrenheit. Meteorologists sometimes convert between the two to communicate weather conditions internationally.