Fahrenheit to Celsius calculator

The Fahrenheit temperature scale, invented by German physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724, is one of the most widely recognized temperature measurement systems. This comprehensive guide explores the history, applications, and conversion methods of the Fahrenheit scale.

When developing his temperature scale, Fahrenheit established unique reference points that set his system apart. He defined 0°F as the lowest temperature achievable in his laboratory using a mixture of ice, water, and ammonium chloride. For the upper reference, he chose 96°F as body temperature (later corrected to 98.6°F), specifically selecting this number for its divisibility by 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12.

The United States adopted the Fahrenheit scale in the late 1700s and remains one of only three countries (alongside the Bahamas and Cayman Islands) that primarily use this temperature measurement system. The United Kingdom, which historically used Fahrenheit, transitioned to Celsius between 1962 and the mid-1970s.

Fahrenheit's contributions to temperature measurement were groundbreaking. He pioneered the use of mercury in thermometers for more precise readings and was the first to discover the phenomenon of supercooling. His scale remained the primary temperature standard for clinical purposes in English-speaking countries until the 1970s, demonstrating its enduring impact on temperature measurement.