120 degrees Fahrenheit is equal to 48.8889 degrees Celsius.
The conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius is done by subtracting 32 from the Fahrenheit value, then multiplying the result by 5/9. This formula adjusts the Fahrenheit temperature scale to the Celsius scale, which has a different zero point and degree size.
Conversion Tool
Result in celcius:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Fahrenheit (f) to Celsius (°C) is:
Celsius = (Fahrenheit − 32) × 5/9
This works because the Fahrenheit scale sets the freezing point of water at 32 degrees and boiling point at 212 degrees, while Celsius sets freezing at 0 and boiling at 100. To convert, subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit value to zero the scale at freezing. Then multiply by 5/9 to account for the difference in degree size.
Step-by-step example for 120°F:
- Subtract 32: 120 − 32 = 88
- Multiply by 5/9: 88 × 5/9 ≈ 48.8889
- Result: 48.8889°C
Conversion Example
- Convert 75°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: 75 − 32 = 43
- Multiply by 5/9: 43 × 5/9 ≈ 23.8889
- Result: 23.8889°C
- Convert 100°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: 100 − 32 = 68
- Multiply by 5/9: 68 × 5/9 ≈ 37.7778
- Result: 37.7778°C
- Convert 140°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: 140 − 32 = 108
- Multiply by 5/9: 108 × 5/9 = 60
- Result: 60°C
- Convert 32°F to Celsius:
- Subtract 32: 32 − 32 = 0
- Multiply by 5/9: 0 × 5/9 = 0
- Result: 0°C
Conversion Chart
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| 95.0 | 35.0 |
| 100.0 | 37.7778 |
| 105.0 | 40.5556 |
| 110.0 | 43.3333 |
| 115.0 | 46.1111 |
| 120.0 | 48.8889 |
| 125.0 | 51.6667 |
| 130.0 | 54.4444 |
| 135.0 | 57.2222 |
| 140.0 | 60.0 |
| 145.0 | 62.7778 |
You can use the chart as a quick reference to find the Celsius equivalent of Fahrenheit temperatures between 95 and 145 degrees. Locate the Fahrenheit value in the left column, then read across to find the converted Celsius value on the right.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is 120°F in Celsius exactly?
- How do you convert 120 degrees Fahrenheit into Celsius?
- Is 120°F hotter than 40°C?
- What temperature in Celsius equals 120°F?
- How much Celsius is 120 Fahrenheit degrees?
- Can you show me the step-by-step conversion from 120°F to Celsius?
- Is 120°F equivalent to 49°C or 48°C?
Conversion Definitions
Fahrenheit (f): Fahrenheit is a temperature scale where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees under standard atmospheric conditions. It is mainly used in the United States, and each degree represents 1/180th of the interval between freezing and boiling points of water.
Celcius: Celsius, also written as centigrade, is a temperature scale where the freezing point of water is 0 degrees and the boiling point is 100 degrees at standard pressure. It is widely used in most countries and scientific contexts for measuring temperature.
Conversion FAQs
Why do we subtract 32 in the Fahrenheit to Celsius conversion?
The Fahrenheit scale sets the freezing point of water at 32°F, unlike Celsius which uses 0°C. Subtracting 32 shifts the Fahrenheit temperature so that the freezing points align, making the next step of scaling by 5/9 accurate to convert the difference.
Can the conversion formula be reversed to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
Yes, to convert Celsius back to Fahrenheit, you multiply the Celsius value by 9/5 and then add 32. This reverses the scale adjustment and offset applied when converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius.
Why is the factor 5/9 used in the conversion?
The factor 5/9 comes from the ratio between the sizes of degrees on each scale. Fahrenheit degrees are smaller, with 180 divisions between freezing and boiling points, while Celsius divides this range into 100 parts. Multiplying by 5/9 adjusts for this difference.
Is the conversion exact or approximate?
The formula provides an exact mathematical conversion between the two scales. However, decimals may be rounded for practical use, which can introduce small approximation errors.
Does this conversion work for negative Fahrenheit temperatures?
Yes, the formula applies to all Fahrenheit values, positive or negative. Subtract 32 and multiply by 5/9 just the same to get the Celsius equivalent for any temperature.