What is a Fahrenheit? (°F)
Definition
Fahrenheit (symbol: °F) is a temperature scale proposed by physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724. It sets 32°F as the freezing point of water and 212°F as the boiling point. Fahrenheit is primarily used in the United States and a few other countries for everyday temperature reporting, while most of the world uses Celsius.
Common Uses
- › Weather in the United States
- › Oven and cooking temperatures in the US
- › Body temperature in the US
- › HVAC and thermostat settings
Converters
Key Facts
- Symbol°F
- CategoryTemperature
- 32°F = 0°C (freezing point of water)
- 212°F = 100°C (boiling point of water)
- 98.6°F = 37°C (normal body temperature)
- -40°F = -40°C
Related Terms
About the Fahrenheit
Fahrenheit (symbol: °F) is a temperature scale proposed by physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724. It sets 32°F as the freezing point of water and 212°F as the boiling point. Fahrenheit is primarily used in the United States and a few other countries for everyday temperature reporting, while most of the world uses Celsius.
Equivalents and conversions
- 32°F = 0°C (freezing point of water)
- 212°F = 100°C (boiling point of water)
- 98.6°F = 37°C (normal body temperature)
- -40°F = -40°C