Why Some Countries Use Celsius and Others Use Fahrenheit

Temperature is something we all experience daily, yet the way it’s measured varies across the world. Some countries report temperatures in Celsius (°C), while others use Fahrenheit (°F). But why do these differences exist? The answer lies in history, science, and cultural preferences.

The Celsius Scale

The Celsius scale was introduced by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742. It is based on water’s natural properties:

  • Water freezes at 0°C
  • Water boils at 100°C

Because it fits neatly into the metric system, Celsius quickly became the global standard for science, education, and everyday use in most countries.

The Fahrenheit Scale

The Fahrenheit scale was developed in 1724 by Gabriel Fahrenheit, a German physicist. On this scale:

  • Water freezes at 32°F
  • Water boils at 212°F

Fahrenheit was widely adopted in the United States and parts of its former territories. One reason people preferred it was its smaller degree size, which made everyday temperatures (like weather or body heat) feel more precise.

Why Some Countries Use Celsius

  1. Metric System Adoption: Most countries use the metric system for measurements, and Celsius is the temperature unit within it.
  2. Scientific Standards: Celsius (and Kelvin) are internationally recognized for research, education, and global communication.
  3. Simplicity: With 100 degrees between freezing and boiling, Celsius is easy to understand and calculate.

Why the US and a Few Others Use Fahrenheit

  1. Historical Roots: The United States adopted Fahrenheit early and never fully transitioned to metric.
  2. Cultural Familiarity: Americans are used to Fahrenheit for weather, cooking, and body temperature.
  3. Precision in Daily Life: Fahrenheit gives more detailed divisions in the range of typical human experience (like between 60°F and 80°F).

Countries That Use Each Scale

  • Celsius Users: Nearly every country worldwide, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.
  • Fahrenheit Users: United States, a few Caribbean nations, and some territories.
  • Mixed Use: Canada officially uses Celsius but many people still reference Fahrenheit, especially for weather.

Conversion Between Celsius and Fahrenheit

  • Celsius to Fahrenheits: (°C × 9/5) + 32
  • Fahrenheit to Celsius: (°F − 32) × 5/9

Example:

  • 20°C = 68°F
  • 68°F = 20°C

Celsius to Fahrenheits FAQs

Because of cultural habits, infrastructure, and the cost of changing systems nationwide, the US continues using Fahrenheit.

Both are accurate, but Fahrenheit offers smaller increments in everyday ranges, while Celsius is more practical for science.

They align with the metric system, making calculations and international collaboration easier.

Canada officially uses Celsius, but Fahrenheit is still common in casual weather reports and older recipes.