Oven temperatures in Fahrenheit and Celsius follow the same exact formula: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. The complication in baking is that recipes from the US, UK, and Europe each use different temperature scales — and UK recipes often add Gas Mark, a holdover from the era before electric ovens became standard.
The formula
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
To convert Celsius back to Fahrenheit:
°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
Common oven temperatures
Most home baking falls into three ranges:
- Low (250–325°F / 120–165°C): slow roasting, meringues, custards, cheesecakes
- Moderate (325–375°F / 165–190°C): cakes, cookies, muffins, most baked goods
- Hot (400–450°F / 200–230°C): pizza, bread, roasted vegetables, crispy potatoes
Quick reference table
| °F | °C | Gas Mark | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250°F | 120°C | ½ | Very low |
| 275°F | 135°C | 1 | Very low |
| 300°F | 150°C | 2 | Low |
| 325°F | 165°C | 3 | Moderately low |
| 350°F | 175°C | 4 | Moderate |
| 375°F | 190°C | 5 | Moderately hot |
| 400°F | 200°C | 6 | Hot |
| 425°F | 220°C | 7 | Hot |
| 450°F | 230°C | 8 | Very hot |
| 475°F | 245°C | 9 | Very hot |
| 500°F | 260°C | 9+ | Extremely hot |
Practical examples
Example 1 — Classic cake recipe from a US cookbook
A recipe calls for 350°F. You are using a UK oven with a Celsius dial.
(350 − 32) × 5/9 = 177°C, usually set to 175°C on the oven dial (ovens are graduated in 25°C steps in most markets).
Example 2 — British recipe with Gas Mark
A scone recipe says Gas Mark 7. You need the Fahrenheit equivalent to set your US oven.
Gas Mark 7 = 425°F (220°C).
Example 3 — High-heat pizza
A Neapolitan pizza recipe calls for 250°C. Your oven dial is in Fahrenheit.
(250 × 9/5) + 32 = 482°F. Set your oven as close to 475°F as the dial allows.
Fan oven adjustment
Convection (fan) ovens circulate hot air and cook faster than conventional ovens. If a recipe was written for a conventional oven:
- Reduce temperature by 25°F (15°C), or
- Reduce cook time by 10–20%
A conventional recipe at 350°F becomes 325°F in a convection oven. Many modern ovens print both settings on the dial.
Common mistakes
Mistake — Using the dial without calibrating
Domestic ovens are frequently off by 10–25°F from their indicated temperature. An oven thermometer (under $15) is the most reliable way to verify the actual temperature. If your baked goods consistently come out over- or under-done despite following recipe temperatures, an offset oven is the likely cause.
For a complete cooking reference including volume conversions, weight conversions, butter equivalents, and ingredient gram weights alongside the full oven temperature chart, see the Complete Cooking Conversion Chart →.