Temperature reference
Fahrenheit Temperature Scale (°F)
Fahrenheit is a temperature scale on which water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F at standard atmospheric pressure.
What is Fahrenheit?
Fahrenheit is a temperature scale on which water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F at standard atmospheric pressure.
Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit introduced the scale in 1724 alongside his work on reliable mercury thermometers. The modern scale uses 180 equal degree intervals between the freezing and boiling points of water.
Fahrenheit remains the everyday temperature scale in the United States and several associated territories. It is commonly used for weather forecasts, household thermostats, cooking, and body-temperature readings in those regions.
Fahrenheit conversion formula
Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius with:
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
Common Fahrenheit reference points
| Fahrenheit | Celsius | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| −40°F | −40°C | Both scales are equal |
| 32°F | 0°C | Water freezing point |
| 68°F | 20°C | Room-temperature reference |
| 98.6°F | 37°C | Body-temperature reference |
| 212°F | 100°C | Water boiling point |
Standards and review
Reviewed by the All Unit Conversions Editorial Team. Updated .
Reference sources: BIPM SI Brochure and NIST SP 811.