Centigrade To Celsius
Free online centigrade to Celsius converter. Centigrade and Celsius are the same temperature scale with a 1:1 relationship — values are identical. Learn the history of Anders Celsius' 1742 temperature scale.
About This Calculator
This centigrade to Celsius converter provides an instant temperature conversion between two names for the same measurement scale. It is designed for students learning about temperature measurement, educators teaching the history of science, and anyone curious about why we have two names for the same temperature scale.
The conversion uses a simple 1:1 identity formula: Celsius = Centigrade. In other words, 1 degree centigrade equals 1 degree Celsius. This is because centigrade and Celsius are not separate scales but different historical names for the same temperature measurement system.
The scale was originally developed by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742, who created a 100-step (centum = 100, gradus = steps) scale between water's freezing and boiling points. Initially, Celsius set 0° as the boiling point and 100° as the freezing point. French physicist Jean-Pierre Christin reversed this scale in 1743, establishing the modern convention where 0° represents freezing and 100° represents boiling. In 1948, the General Conference on Weights and Measures officially renamed the centigrade scale to the Celsius scale in honor of its inventor.
This tool is universal and applies worldwide — the centigrade and Celsius scales are used internationally in science, medicine, engineering, and daily weather reporting across all countries including India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Simply enter any temperature in centigrade and receive the identical value in Celsius instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are centigrade and Celsius the same?
Yes, centigrade and Celsius are exactly the same temperature scale. They have a 1:1 relationship, meaning 1 degree centigrade equals 1 degree Celsius. The term centigrade was officially renamed to Celsius in 1948 in honor of Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius.
What is the history of the centigrade scale?
The centigrade scale was created by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742. He designed a 100-step scale between water's freezing and boiling points, initially setting 0° as the boiling point and 100° as the freezing point. French physicist Jean-Pierre Christin reversed the scale in 1743 to establish the modern convention where 0° represents freezing and 100° represents boiling.
Why was centigrade renamed to Celsius?
The centigrade scale was officially renamed to the Celsius scale in 1948 by the General Conference on Weights and Measures (CGPM) to honor its inventor, Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius. The name centigrade, derived from Latin centum (100) and gradus (steps), was still widely used for decades after the renaming.
What is the freezing point of water in centigrade and Celsius?
The freezing point of water is 0 degrees in both centigrade and Celsius scales, since they are identical. This occurs at standard atmospheric pressure. Note that under certain conditions, water can remain liquid below 0°C (supercooling) or freeze above 0°C.
What is the boiling point of water in centigrade and Celsius?
The boiling point of water is 100 degrees in both centigrade and Celsius scales at standard sea-level atmospheric pressure. At higher altitudes, the boiling point decreases — for example, at 2,000 meters elevation, water boils at approximately 93°C.
Who invented the Celsius temperature scale?
The Celsius temperature scale was invented by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742. Originally called the centigrade scale, it was designed around the freezing and boiling points of water. Celsius was a professor of astronomy at Uppsala University and made significant contributions to both astronomy and temperature measurement.
Do any countries still use the term centigrade?
While the term centigrade has been officially replaced by Celsius since 1948, it is still occasionally used in casual conversation and some older textbooks. The term is most commonly encountered in historical contexts. Modern scientific, educational, and meteorological organizations worldwide use the official name Celsius.