Part of my Baking Fundamentals series: Here’s how to convert temperatures in recipes from Fahrenheit to Celsius (or vice versa) using a formula and arithmetic, as well as a fast tip utilizing your thermometer!

Just as I couldn’t explain why the US doesn’t use metric measures for ingredients, we also don’t utilize the Celsius temperature scale.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in a discussion with someone who, not understanding they weren’t American, said something like, That was so hot! I suppose it was 32 degrees that day, which makes me wonder why they thought snow was hot.

Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, ding, It’s because they’re discussing temperatures of 32 degrees Celsius. [facepalm]

I’m sure non-US readers are bothered by my recipes in Fahrenheit, so I wanted to throw some light on the conversion process and present some of the most often used temps in an easy-to-reference graphic.

The formula for converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius

Converting temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius isn’t as tough as you would believe!

9 = C(F 32) 5

I understand math. So here’s how to convert to Celsius in steps:

1. Take 32 off the F temperature.
2. Increase this figure by 5.
3. Multiply the figure by 9.

Example:

9 = 176C(350F 32) 5

In contrast, if you want to convert from Celsius to Fahrenheit:

5) + 32 = F(C 9

Frequently used temperature conversions

Converting Fahrenheit to Celsius without math

Don’t want to perform the math while attempting to prepare anything that needs a digital thermometer? Examine the various options on your model; there may be a button that allows you to instantly convert your readings from Fahrenheit to Celsius. Boom! There is no need for math.

The button is one of my favorite features of my Thermoworks ChefAlarm (aff link).

I hope this was helpful! Is there anything more I should have spoken regarding this topic? Please let me know in the comments section below.

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