Oven Temperature Converter
Oven temperatures are expressed in Celsius (degrees C), Fahrenheit (degrees F), or Gas Mark depending on the type of oven and geographic region. Most of the world uses Celsius, while the United States uses Fahrenheit, and the UK uses Gas Mark for gas ovens. Converting between these scales is essential for following recipes from different sources. The conversion between Celsius and Fahrenheit is linear: F = (C × 9/5) + 32 and C = (F - 32) × 5/9. Gas Mark, used primarily in UK gas ovens, is approximately equal to (Fahrenheit minus 250) divided by 25, ranging from 1 (very low, 275F/140C) to 9 (very hot, 475F/240C). This calculator converts instantly between all three temperature scales. Accurate temperature is critical for baking; a recipe's success depends on reaching and maintaining the correct oven temperature.
Oven temperature reference table
Common Gas Mark temperatures with Fahrenheit and Celsius equivalents:
| Gas Mark | Fahrenheit (F) | Celsius (C) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 275 | 140 |
| 2 | 300 | 150 |
| 3 | 325 | 165 |
| 4 | 350 | 180 |
| 5 | 375 | 190 |
| 6 | 400 | 200 |
| 7 | 425 | 220 |
| 8 | 450 | 230 |
| 9 | 475 | 240 |
| Very Hot | 500 | 260 |
Oven temperature converter: frequently asked questions
What is Gas Mark?
Gas Mark is a temperature scale used in the UK and some Commonwealth countries for gas ovens. It ranges from 1 to 9 (and sometimes 0.25 for very low settings). Gas Mark is approximately equal to (temperature in Fahrenheit minus 250) divided by 25. Gas Mark 4 equals 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 180 degrees Celsius, a common baking temperature.
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
The formula is: F = (C × 9/5) + 32. For example, 180 degrees Celsius equals (180 × 9/5) + 32 = 356 degrees Fahrenheit. Conversely, to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius: C = (F - 32) × 5/9. This calculator performs both conversions instantly.
Why do ovens use different temperature scales?
Different countries adopted different temperature scales historically. The United States uses Fahrenheit, while most of the world uses Celsius. The UK uses Gas Mark for gas ovens and Celsius or Fahrenheit for electric ovens. Understanding which scale your oven uses and being able to convert is essential for following recipes from different sources.
What is a typical baking temperature?
Most baking happens between 160-200 degrees Celsius (320-400 degrees Fahrenheit), or Gas Mark 3-6. A common all-purpose temperature is 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit, Gas Mark 4). Cookies often bake at 180-190C, cakes at 175-185C, and bread at 200-220C. Always follow your recipe's temperature.
Do ovens reach their set temperature instantly?
No. Ovens require 10-20 minutes to preheat to the set temperature. Many recipes say to preheat the oven, which means letting it reach temperature before baking. Some ovens have indicators when they reach temperature. Digital ovens are often more precise than older models.
Official sources
- NIST Special Publication 330: The International System of Units.
- British Standards Institution (BSI): Gas Appliance Standards.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.