ℹ️ Centigrade to Celsius
Clarifies that Centigrade (°C) and Celsius (°C) are identical.
A quick reference for students, writers, and travelers encountering both terms.
There is no calculation required—Centigrade and Celsius both denote the same temperature scale where water freezes at 0° and boils at 100° under standard atmospheric pressure.
The term “Celsius” was adopted by the International System of Units (SI) in 1948 to honor Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius. “Centigrade” (meaning “hundred steps”) was the earlier name, but it conflicted with other centigrade scales used in surveying and angles.
How to Use This Calculator
Use either term interchangeably
When someone says 25° Centigrade, they mean 25° Celsius.
Prefer the modern name in formal writing
Standards, scientific papers, and modern textbooks use “degrees Celsius (°C)”.
Convert to other scales if needed
Use the Celsius converter to view Fahrenheit, Kelvin, or Rankine equivalents.
Formula
Centigrade (°C) = Celsius (°C)
No arithmetic necessary—only the terminology differs.
Use the formula breakdown to confirm the calculation logic or perform the conversion manually if needed.
Full Description
The Celsius scale is part of the SI system. “Centigrade” was the historical term from 1743 until its formal replacement in 1948. Some regions and older publications still use “Centigrade,” but the numbers mean exactly the same thing.
If you see a recipe, weather report, or engineering document referencing Centigrade, interpret it exactly as Celsius. There is no unit conversion required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to change the number when converting Centigrade to Celsius?
No. 20° Centigrade is 20° Celsius.
Why did the name change?
The SI adopted “Celsius” to honor Anders Celsius and avoid confusion with other centigrade measurements.
Is Centigrade still correct?
It’s understood but considered obsolete. Use Celsius in modern scientific and technical contexts.
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit or Kelvin?
Use the Celsius or Celsius-to-Fahrenheit calculators provided in this toolset.