Celsius to Fahrenheit

The Celsius and Fahrenheit scales use different zero points and different-sized degree steps, so you cannot convert by simply adding or subtracting a fixed number. This formula first scales the Celsius temperature by 9/5 because one Celsius degree is larger than one Fahrenheit degree, then adds 32 because Fahrenheit starts 32 degrees above the freezing point of water on the Celsius scale. It lets you translate the same temperature between the two systems consistently.

Use this when you need to read or compare temperatures from weather reports, recipes, science classes, or devices that use different temperature units. It is especially helpful when traveling or when a measurement is given in Celsius but you need the Fahrenheit equivalent.

• Forgetting to add 32 after multiplying by 9/5
• Using 5/9 instead of 9/5 for Celsius to Fahrenheit conversion
• Assuming the scales differ by a constant amount everywhere instead of a scale factor plus an offset