Pharmacy Temperature Conversions


In the U.S. we mostly use the (F°)
Fahrenheit system in our everyday lives. If you turn on the news tonight the weather will likely be forecast in Fahrenheit. In the field of science, however, (C°) Celsius is more commonly used.

There is a very good reason for this;
Celsius is shaped around when a reaction will take place. For example, in Celsius water will freeze at 0° and boil at 100°. Compare that with 32° and 212° in Fahrenheit. Based on that example, surely you can understand why Celsius is predominantly used in science/Pharmacy.




1) Traditional way, as taught in Pharm Tech School:

C = (F - 32) x (5/9)

F = C x (9/5) + 32

IMPORTANT- Remember that Fahrenheit will always be greater than Celsius. The most simple way to remember that water freezes at 0° Celsius / 32° Fahrenheit.

I would recommend writing down some numbers and converting them for practice until you are comfortably converting without referring to your notes




2) Algebra Shortcut:

5F = 9C + 160





3) Ballparking Temperature Conversions:

While studying temperature conversions, my study partner and I discovered a way to Ballpark a temperature conversion in a matter of a few seconds. The link just below will show you how.

Ball-parking Temperature Conversions








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