The Easy Way to Convert Temperatures

Here's an easy way to convert temperatures from Celsius (Centigrade) to Fahrenheit and vice versa without the use of calculators.

Though you won't receive an exact figure with this method, it is a great tool to use when you need a realistic temperature figure that is within close proximity of the exact number.

The first thing you need to understand is that Celsius is always smaller than Fahrenheit.

A great memory trick to help you visualize this rule is to remember that in terms of alphabetical order, C comes before the letter F; therefore C is smaller than F.

OK, now let's get down to the conversions. You may be familiar with the original formula.

For converting Celsius to Fahrenheit we use (9/5C) + 32 = F.

When converting Fahrenheit to Celsius the formula is: (5/9F) - 32 = C.

Now there is no need to panic, this isn't your high school Algebra class. The quick and easy formula removes the fractions and keeps it simple.

The secret to the new method involves looking at the fraction closely. If you notice, 9/5 is very similar to 10/5, which equals 2. By replacing the fraction we can keep the method trouble free and uncomplicated.

Now that we have removed the fractions, let's review our new formulas.

For converting Celsius to Fahrenheit, the formula is: "Double and Add 32."

That's it! Now, don't you agree that is much simpler?

Here is an example of the formula at work. Let's say the temperature is 10 degrees Celsius. To convert to Fahrenheit simply follow the rule: "Double and Add 32."

The 10 when doubled, becomes 20, then add 32, and the answer is 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

You have now successfully converted 10 degrees Celsius to 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

The true value (using the original 9/5 formula) is 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can see how valuable this quick method is.

Let's try another one. In this example, we will convert 30 degrees Celsius to Fahrenheit. Remember the rule, "Double and Add 32." So, 30 doubled equals 60, and 60 plus 32 equals 92.

There, you have it. We have just converted 30 degrees Celsius to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. The true figure is 86 degrees so again; you can see how close the estimated figures are.

Now, let's practice converting temperatures from Fahrenheit to Celsius. The formula for converting from Fahrenheit to Celsius is: "Subtract 32 and Halve."

This is basically the reverse and involves converting from a larger number to a smaller number.

Ok, let's try a practice one. Let's convert 92 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Take 92 and subtract 32. That leaves you with 60. The next step is to halve 60 and you are left with 30. So, 92 degrees Fahrenheit is converted to 30 degrees Celsius.

Here is another example. Let's convert 52 degrees Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Remember our rule: "Subtract 32 and Halve." First we will subtract 32 from 52, which leaves 20. Next we will halve 20 and that gives us 10. The answer is 10 degrees Celsius.

There you are. Temperature conversions will never trouble you again!

by Kenneth Williams