1 Fahrenheit is approximately -17.2222 Celsius.
The conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius involves subtracting 32 from the Fahrenheit value, then multiplying by 5/9. This calculation changes the temperature scale from Fahrenheit, which is based on different freezing and boiling points of water, into Celsius, which is based on 0 and 100 degrees.
Conversion Tool
Result in celsius:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius is C = (F - 32) × 5/9. Here, you subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature, this adjusts for the difference in the zero points of the two scales. After that, multiplying by 5/9 converts the remaining temperature difference into Celsius units.
Why it works: Fahrenheit defines freezing point of water at 32°F and boiling at 212°F, while Celsius has 0°C and 100°C. So removing 32 aligns the scales at freezing point, then scaling by 5/9 changes the size of the degree.
Example: Convert 1°F to Celsius step-by-step:
- Subtract 32: 1 – 32 = -31
- Multiply by 5/9: -31 × 5/9 ≈ -17.2222
- Result: -17.2222°C
Conversion Example
- Convert 10°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: 10 – 32 = -22
- Multiply by 5/9: -22 × 5/9 ≈ -12.2222
- Answer: -12.2222°C
- 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 -10°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: -10 – 32 = -42
- Multiply by 5/9: -42 × 5/9 ≈ -23.3333
- Answer: -23.3333°C
Conversion Chart
This chart shows Fahrenheit values from -24.0 to 26.0 and their Celsius equivalents. To use it, find the Fahrenheit value in the left column, then read across to see the Celsius temperature. This helps you quickly estimate without doing math.
| 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 |
Related Conversion Questions
- What is 1 degree Fahrenheit in Celsius rounded to two decimal places?
- How do I convert 1°F to Celsius manually without a calculator?
- Is 1°F below freezing on the Celsius scale?
- Why does 1°F convert to a negative number in Celsius?
- What temperature in Celsius equals exactly 1 degree Fahrenheit?
- How precise is converting 1°F to Celsius using the standard formula?
- Can I use the formula for 1°F to Celsius for any temperature?
Conversion Definitions
Fahrenheit: Fahrenheit is a temperature scale where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees under standard atmospheric pressure. This scale is used mainly in the United States and some Caribbean countries for weather forecasts, cooking, and industrial processes.
Celsius: Celsius is a temperature scale based on the freezing point of water at 0 degrees and boiling point at 100 degrees under normal atmospheric pressure. It is used worldwide for scientific measurements and daily temperature readings in most countries outside the U.S.
Conversion FAQs
Why does converting 1°F to Celsius give a negative value?
Because 1°F is less than the freezing point of water on the Fahrenheit scale, which is 32°F. When you subtract 32 from 1, you get a negative number, which after multiplying by 5/9 results in a negative Celsius value. Celsius zero is at freezing water, so anything below 32°F converts to below zero Celsius.
Can the Fahrenheit to Celsius formula be used for temperatures below absolute zero?
No, temperatures below absolute zero (-459.67°F) are not physically meaningful as absolute zero is the lowest limit of temperature. The formula itself works mathematically for any number, but physically temperatures below absolute zero do not exist in classical thermodynamics.
How accurate is the formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius?
The formula C = (F - 32) × 5/9 is exact for converting between these two temperature scales, because both scales are linear. But rounding errors can occur if you round intermediate steps or the final result to fewer decimal places.
Is there a quick way to estimate Celsius from Fahrenheit for small numbers like 1°F?
For small Fahrenheit values near freezing, subtracting 30 instead of 32, then dividing by 2, gives a rough estimate of Celsius. For 1°F, this quick estimate would be (1 – 30)/2 = -14.5°C, which is less accurate than the actual -17.22°C calculated by the exact formula.
Does converting 1°F to Celsius change with altitude or pressure?
No, the conversion formula between Fahrenheit and Celsius is independent of altitude or atmospheric pressure. It’s a mathematical relationship between two temperature scales, so environmental conditions don’t affect the numeric conversion itself.