Centigrade to Celsius Converter
Our centigrade to Celsius converter will help you convert your temperature from centigrade to Celsius and vice versa. Learn why they are the same scale with different names.
What is the difference between centigrade and Celsius?
There is no difference between centigrade and Celsius — they are the same temperature scale. "Centigrade" was the original name (from Latin "centum" = 100 and "gradus" = steps), referring to the 100-degree interval between water freezing (0°) and boiling (100°). In 1948, the name was officially changed to "Celsius" in honor of Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius (1701-1744), who invented the scale. The term "centigrade" is still used informally in some contexts, but Celsius is the official SI name. One degree centigrade equals exactly one degree Celsius.
Why do people still use the term centigrade?
People still use "centigrade" because it was the common name for the scale for nearly 200 years before the official change to "Celsius" in 1948. Older weather reports, cookbooks, and scientific papers used centigrade. Some English speakers find "centigrade" more descriptive because it clearly indicates the 100-degree scale (centi = 100). The term persists in casual conversation, particularly among older generations, though Celsius is now the standard in scientific, educational, and professional contexts worldwide.
When should I use Celsius vs centigrade?
In modern usage, Celsius is the correct and preferred term in almost all contexts. Use Celsius for: Scientific work (Celsius is the SI unit). Education (schools teach Celsius). Weather forecasts (all official forecasts use Celsius). Cooking (recipes from most countries use Celsius). Medical contexts (body temperature in Celsius). The term "centigrade" is occasionally still used in: informal conversation, older publications, and some historical contexts. However, they mean exactly the same thing, so you can use either term without changing the temperature value.
How do I convert centigrade to Fahrenheit?
Since centigrade and Celsius are identical, the conversion to Fahrenheit is: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. Key reference points: 0°C = 32°F (freezing point of water). 10°C = 50°F (cool day). 20°C = 68°F (room temperature). 30°C = 86°F (warm day). 37°C = 98.6°F (body temperature). 100°C = 212°F (boiling point of water). For quick mental conversion: double the Celsius and add 30 (rough estimate). Example: 20°C × 2 + 30 = 70°F (actual is 68°F).