Temperature Scales: Fahrenheit, Celsius & Gas Mark
Understanding temperature scales in international recipes, including conversions between Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Gas Mark.
350°F = 180°C = Gas Mark 4 • 375°F = 190°C = Gas Mark 5 • 400°F = 200°C = Gas Mark 6 • 425°F = 220°C = Gas Mark 7
Baking recipes reference three distinct temperature scales depending on their country of origin: Fahrenheit (°F) in the United States, Celsius (°C) in the metric world, and Gas Mark in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries. Fahrenheit measures water freezing at 32°F and boiling at 212°F, while Celsius uses a decimal scale of 0°C to 100°C. Gas Mark is a traditional scale used on gas ovens, where numbers from 1 to 9 correspond to specific temperature ranges. Because precision in oven temperature is critical to activate leaveners and caramelize sugars without burning, translating these scales accurately is essential. For example, a standard baking temperature of 350°F converts to 180°C (or 177°C exactly) or Gas Mark 4.
When adapting international recipes, using a digital oven thermometer is recommended. This is because home dials are notoriously inaccurate and convection settings (which use a fan) require lowering the target baking temperature by 25°F (15°C) to prevent the outside of cakes from burning before the inside is fully baked.
Baking on a convection setting using the standard temperature dial setting from a traditional recipe. The fan circulates heat efficiently, scorching the crust before the center sets. Always subtract 25°F (15°C) for convection.
Fahrenheit is standard in the US. Celsius is used in Europe, Canada, and Australia. Gas Mark is still commonly found in older British and Irish gas ovens.
Refer to these scales when translating international recipes and setting target baking temperatures.
Formula: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9 • Formula: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32.