Centigrade to Celsius Converter

Convert between Centigrade and Celsius scales - discover why they're identical temperature units

Temperature Scale Conversion

°C

Original name of the scale created by Anders Celsius

°C

Modern name adopted in 1948 to honor Anders Celsius

Conversion Results

0°C
Degrees Centigrade
0°C
Degrees Celsius
Temperature Category: Cold0°C (identical values)

Conversion Formula: °Centigrade = °Celsius (1:1 conversion)

Fun Fact: Centigrade and Celsius are exactly the same temperature scale!

Quick Conversions

Temperature Examples

Centigrade (°C)Celsius (°C)
-273.15°C-273.15°C
-40°C-40°C
0°C0°C
20°C20°C
25°C25°C
37°C37°C
50°C50°C
75°C75°C
100°C100°C

Historical Facts

📚

Anders Celsius created the centigrade scale in 1742

🔄

Originally 0°C was boiling point, 100°C was freezing point

Jean-Pierre Christin reversed the scale in 1743

🏆

Renamed to "Celsius" in 1948 to honor Anders Celsius

🌍

Both terms refer to exactly the same temperature scale

Key Points

Centigrade = Celsius (exact same scale)

100 degree intervals between freezing and boiling

0°C = freezing point, 100°C = boiling point

Used worldwide in science and daily life

Understanding Centigrade vs. Celsius

What is Centigrade?

Centigrade was the original name for the temperature scale created by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742. The name comes from Latin: "centum" (meaning 100) and "gradus" (meaning steps), referring to the 100-degree interval between the freezing and boiling points of water.

Historical Timeline

  • 1742: Anders Celsius creates the centigrade scale
  • 1743: Jean-Pierre Christin reverses the scale
  • 1948: Scale officially renamed to "Celsius"
  • Today: Both terms are used interchangeably

Why the Name Change?

In 1948, the 9th General Conference on Weights and Measures officially renamed the centigrade scale to "Celsius" in honor of Anders Celsius, the inventor of the temperature scale. This change was made to avoid confusion with other scales and to properly credit the scientist.

Conversion Formula

°Centigrade = °Celsius

Perfect 1:1 conversion

Important: There is no mathematical conversion needed - the scales are identical!

Example "Conversions"

Common Temperature Examples

Freezing Point of Water

0° Centigrade = 0° Celsius

Result: Identical values

Room Temperature

20° Centigrade = 20° Celsius

Result: Identical values

Scientific Examples

Boiling Point of Water

100° Centigrade = 100° Celsius

Result: Identical values

Absolute Zero

-273.15° Centigrade = -273.15° Celsius

Result: Identical values