Culinary & Baking Math
Basic

Fahrenheit to Celsius (Oven)

Converts an oven temperature from Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Formula

C=59(F−32)C = \frac{5}{9}(F - 32)

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Variables

CTemperature (°C)
FTemperature (°F)

Example

350°F: C = 5/9×318 ≈ 177°C

How it works

This formula converts a temperature from the Fahrenheit scale to the Celsius scale by adjusting for two differences between the systems: Fahrenheit starts at a different zero point, and its degree size is smaller. Subtracting 32 removes the Fahrenheit offset, and multiplying by 5/9 rescales the remaining temperature because 180 Fahrenheit degrees equal 100 Celsius degrees. In baking, this is useful because many recipes and ovens use Fahrenheit while many reference charts and scientific sources use Celsius.

When to use it

Use this when a recipe, oven dial, or cooking chart gives an oven temperature in Fahrenheit but you need the Celsius equivalent. It is especially helpful when following international recipes or using an oven that displays temperatures in Celsius.

Worked example, step by step

Convert 400°F to Celsius C = 5/9(F - 32) C = 5/9(400 - 32) C = 5/9(368) C = 2040/9 C ≈ 226.7 So, 400°F is about 227°C.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Forgetting to subtract 32 before multiplying
  • Using 9/5 instead of 5/9 for Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion
  • Rounding too early and losing accuracy

Did You Know?

350°F (177°C) is the default baking temperature for a huge share of dessert recipes.

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Reviewed & maintained by the FormulaWon editorial teamLast reviewed September 2026