Why Oven Temperature Conversions Matter
If you’ve ever tried to follow a British recipe with an American oven (or vice versa), you know the struggle. Fahrenheit, Celsius, gas marks — why can’t we all just agree on one system?
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to convert between all three oven temperature systems, give you a handy reference chart, and share common baking temperatures for quick lookup.
The Three Oven Temperature Systems
1. Fahrenheit (°F)
Used in: United States, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Palau
Most American recipes list oven temperatures in Fahrenheit. Typical range: 300°F to 450°F for most baking and roasting.
2. Celsius (°C) / Centigrade
Used in: Everywhere else — Europe, Canada, Australia, Asia, etc.
Also called “centigrade” in some countries. Typical range: 150°C to 230°C for most baking and roasting.
3. Gas Mark
Used in: United Kingdom and Ireland (mostly older recipes)
Gas marks range from ¼ (lowest) to 10 (highest). Each gas mark corresponds to a specific temperature range.
How to Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
The formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius is:
Celsius = (Fahrenheit - 32) × 5/9
For example:
- 350°F = (350 - 32) × 5/9 = 318 × 5/9 = 176.67°C → roughly 175°C
- 400°F = (400 - 32) × 5/9 = 368 × 5/9 = 204.44°C → roughly 200°C
How to Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit
The reverse formula:
Fahrenheit = Celsius × 9/5 + 32
For example:
- 180°C = 180 × 9/5 + 32 = 324 + 32 = 356°F → roughly 350°F
- 200°C = 200 × 9/5 + 32 = 360 + 32 = 392°F → roughly 400°F
Quick Reference: Oven Temperature Conversion Chart
Here are the most common oven temperatures you’ll need for baking and cooking:
| Fahrenheit | Celsius | Gas Mark | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 225°F | 110°C | ¼ | Very low / Slow cook |
| 250°F | 120°C | ½ | Very low |
| 275°F | 140°C | 1 | Low |
| 300°F | 150°C | 2 | Low |
| 325°F | 160°C | 3 | Moderately low |
| 350°F | 175°C | 4 | Moderate (most common) |
| 375°F | 190°C | 5 | Moderately high |
| 400°F | 200°C | 6 | High |
| 425°F | 220°C | 7 | High |
| 450°F | 230°C | 8 | Very high |
| 475°F | 245°C | 9 | Very high |
| 500°F | 260°C | 10 | Max / Broil |
Pro tip: For most baking, you don’t need to be exact to the degree. Rounding to the nearest 25°F or 10°C is usually close enough. Every oven runs slightly different anyway!
Common Baking Temperatures
Breads & Doughs
| Food | Fahrenheit | Celsius | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Artisan bread | 450-500°F | 230-260°C | Dutch oven, steam |
| Sandwich bread | 350-375°F | 175-190°C | In a loaf pan |
| Pizza | 475-500°F | 245-260°C | Hotter = crispier crust |
| Rolls / Buns | 375-400°F | 190-200°C | Golden brown on top |
Cakes & Cupcakes
| Food | Fahrenheit | Celsius | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layer cakes | 350°F | 175°C | Most standard cake recipes |
| Cupcakes | 350-375°F | 175-190°C | Same as cakes, just less time |
| Bundt cakes | 325-350°F | 160-175°C | Lower temp for even baking |
| Angel food cake | 325-350°F | 160-175°C | Don’t open the oven early! |
| Cheesecake | 325°F | 160°C | Water bath method |
Cookies & Bars
| Food | Fahrenheit | Celsius | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chocolate chip cookies | 375°F | 190°C | Classic temp |
| Shortbread | 325°F | 160°C | Low and slow |
| Brownies | 350°F | 175°C | Chewy edges, fudgy center |
| Bar cookies | 350°F | 175°C | Most bar recipes |
Roasting & Savory
| Food | Fahrenheit | Celsius | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole chicken | 350-375°F | 175-190°C | 165°F internal temp |
| Turkey | 325°F | 160°C | Low and slow for even cooking |
| Roast beef | 325-425°F | 160-220°C | Higher for searing, lower for slow roast |
| Roasted vegetables | 400-425°F | 200-220°C | High heat = caramelization |
| Potatoes (roasted) | 400-425°F | 200-220°C | Crispy outside, fluffy inside |
Use Our Oven Temperature Converter
Need a quick conversion? Our Oven Temperature Converter lets you instantly convert between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and gas marks. It also includes a cooking temperature guide for all the foods above.
Oven Temperature Tips
1. Invest in an Oven Thermometer
Most ovens are off by 25-50°F (15-25°C). An inexpensive oven thermometer will tell you your oven’s true temperature and save you from burnt or undercooked food.
2. Preheat Properly
Most ovens take 10-15 minutes to preheat. Just because the light turns off doesn’t mean it’s fully preheated — give it a few extra minutes.
3. Know Your Oven’s Hot Spots
Every oven has hot spots (usually near the back or top heating element). Rotate your pans halfway through baking for even results.
4. Don’t Peek Too Early
Opening the oven door drops the temperature by 25-50°F (15-25°C). Wait until at least ¾ of the bake time has passed before checking.
5. Adjust for Convection
If you have a convection (fan) oven, you can usually lower the temperature by 25°F (15°C) and reduce time by about 20%. But check your oven’s manual — some auto-adjust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 350°F the same as 180°C?
Close! 350°F is actually 176.7°C, but most recipes round to 175°C or 180°C. Either will work for most baking.
What is 180°C in Fahrenheit?
180°C = 356°F, which is usually rounded to 350°F or 375°F in American recipes. 350°F is the most common “moderate” oven temperature.
What gas mark is 350°F?
Gas mark 4. That’s the most commonly used baking temperature in both systems.
Why is 350°F so common?
350°F (175°C / gas mark 4) is the sweet spot for most baked goods — hot enough to brown and set structure, but not so hot that the outside burns before the inside cooks. It’s also the temperature at which the Maillard reaction (browning) happens at a nice pace.
Final Thoughts
Oven temperature conversion doesn’t have to be complicated. Save the chart above, bookmark our Oven Temperature Converter, and remember that for most baking, a 25°F (10°C) difference won’t ruin your recipe.
The real key is knowing your own oven — invest in a thermometer, learn its hot spots, and you’ll be set.
Happy baking! 🍰