Celsius vs. Fahrenheit — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
Celsius is a temperature scale with 0° as the freezing point of water and 100° as its boiling point. Fahrenheit defines 32° as water's freezing point and 212° as its boiling point.
Difference Between Celsius and Fahrenheit
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Celsius, commonly used internationally, is a temperature scale where 0° represents the freezing point and 100° the boiling point of water at sea level. Fahrenheit, on the other hand, is a scale primarily used in the United States, with 32° as the freezing point and 212° as the boiling point of water.
Both Celsius and Fahrenheit are measures to represent temperature, but they do so using different reference points. In the Celsius scale, every increment or decrement represents a change of 1/100th between the boiling and freezing points of water. In contrast, each increment in Fahrenheit represents 1/180th of the difference between these two points.
While Celsius is based on a decimal system, which aligns with the metric system used in science and most countries, Fahrenheit's divisions might seem less intuitive. Fahrenheit, initially developed based on brine's freezing point and body temperature, later adapted its references to water's phase transitions.
Conversion between Celsius and Fahrenheit requires mathematical calculations. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32, then multiply by 5/9. Conversely, to go from Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply by 9/5, and then add 32.
Both Celsius and Fahrenheit scales have their histories and significance. Celsius, named after Anders Celsius, was developed in the 18th century. Fahrenheit, named after Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit, predates Celsius by a few decades.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Reference Point
0° freezing, 100° boiling of water
32° freezing, 212° boiling of water
Increment Value
1/100th between boiling & freezing points
1/180th between boiling & freezing points
Usage
Most countries worldwide
Primarily United States
Named After
Anders Celsius
Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit
Conversion Formula
(°F - 32) x 5/9 for Fahrenheit to Celsius
(°C x 9/5) + 32 for Celsius to Fahrenheit
Compare with Definitions
Celsius
A decimal-based temperature measurement system.
Scientists often use Celsius for its precision in experiments.
Fahrenheit
A temperature scale with water freezing at 32° and boiling at 212°.
During winter in some U.S. states, it can drop to 0° Fahrenheit.
Celsius
A metric temperature scale where water freezes at 0° and boils at 100°.
On a hot summer day, temperatures might reach 35° Celsius.
Fahrenheit
The primary temperature scale used in the United States.
Weather forecasts in the U.S. predominantly use Fahrenheit.
Celsius
An interval system where 100 units separate the freezing and boiling points of water.
Ice melts at 0° Celsius under standard atmospheric conditions.
Fahrenheit
A scale initially based on brine's freezing point and average human body temperature.
98.6° Fahrenheit is often cited as the average body temperature.
Celsius
The standard temperature scale for most of the world.
Most weather forecasts outside the U.S. are given in Celsius.
Fahrenheit
A non-metric system measuring temperature.
Many ovens in the U.S. have settings in Fahrenheit.
Celsius
A scale used for scientific measurements.
Lab equipment often displays temperature in Celsius for consistency.
Fahrenheit
A temperature system used in a few countries besides the U.S., like the Bahamas, Belize, and Cayman Islands.
Tourists from Europe might need to convert temperatures from Fahrenheit when visiting the U.S.
Celsius
The degree Celsius is a unit of temperature on the Celsius scale, a temperature scale originally known as the centigrade scale. The degree Celsius (symbol: °C) can refer to a specific temperature on the Celsius scale or a unit to indicate a difference or range between two temperatures.
Fahrenheit
The Fahrenheit scale ( or ) is a temperature scale based on one proposed in 1724 by the physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit (1686–1736). It uses the degree Fahrenheit (symbol: °F) as the unit.
Celsius
Of or relating to a temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 0° and the boiling point as 100° under normal atmospheric pressure. See Table at measurement.
Fahrenheit
Of or relating to a temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 32° and the boiling point as 212° at one atmosphere of pressure. See Table at measurement.
Celsius
Alternative case form of Celsius
Fahrenheit
Conforming to the scale used by Gabriel Daniel Fahrenheit in the graduation of his thermometer; of or relating to Fahrenheit's thermometric scale. Used as an alternative to celsius.
Celsius
The Celsius thermometer or scale, so called from Anders Celsius, a Swedish astronomer, who invented it. It is the same as the centigrade thermometer or scale.
Fahrenheit
German physicist who invented the mercury thermometer and developed the scale of temperature that bears his name (1686-1736)
Celsius
Swedish astronomer who devised the centigrade thermometer (1701-1744)
Common Curiosities
Which countries primarily use Fahrenheit?
The United States and a few others, like the Bahamas and Belize.
How do I convert 100° Celsius to Fahrenheit?
Use the formula: (°C x 9/5) + 32. So, 100° Celsius is 212° Fahrenheit.
Why does the U.S. still use Fahrenheit?
Tradition and resistance to metric conversion play significant roles.
Is Celsius more commonly used worldwide?
Yes, Celsius is the standard in most countries and scientific contexts.
Is it correct to write "degrees Celsius" and "degrees Fahrenheit"?
Yes, it's common to include "degrees" when referencing temperatures in both scales.
Is there a temperature where Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same?
Yes, -40° is the same in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Was Fahrenheit's original scale based on water's freezing and boiling points?
No, it was based on brine's freezing point and body temperature.
Which scale offers more precise readings?
Both can be precise, but Celsius aligns with the metric system, making it preferred in scientific settings.
What's the boiling point of water at high altitudes in Celsius?
It's lower than 100° Celsius due to decreased atmospheric pressure.
Do all weather apps provide readings in both Celsius and Fahrenheit?
Most modern apps allow users to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Donut vs. Bagel
Next Comparison
Depop vs. MercariAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
