metric conversions

F = (C x 9/5) + 32 C = (F - 32) x 5/9

I googled "how do you convert from centigrade to fahrenheit" and got: To convert from Centigrade to Fahrenheit use the following calculation: F = (Temperature Centigrade x 9/5) + 32 Need to reverse the process?
C = (Temperature Fahrenheit - 32) * 5/9 From this website: http://www.classbrain.com/artteensb/publish/convert_centrigrade_to_fahrenheit.shtml

That's too complicated. I carry a little six inch ruler that has F to C, metric to inches, and pounds to kilograms, or smaller parts of them.

Better yet, get one of those little thermometers with both scales on it that you use for a zipper pull.

Unless it is critical to have an exact conversion, I just use a little mental math. 72F equals 22 C , then I kind of add two degrees F for one degree change of C. So 30 C, gives me roughly 88 F - it is actually 86 but it is close enough for my purposes.

Like Frank, I use a shortcut unless I need an exact conversion. If you are converting from C to F, just double the C number and add 32. If converting the other way, subtract 32, then cut the number in half.

A simple formula to use; multiply the centigrade by 1.8 then add 32. For example 10 degrees centigrade times 1.8 = 18 + 32 = 50 fahrenheit Do the reverse to convert fahrenheit to centigrade. Subtract 32 then divide the remainder by 1.8

I once read a memory aid from Rick. 28C is 82F. You don't need to remember the exact conversion, just the range: 0° is freezing (32°F) 10° is chilly (50°F) 20° is room temp (68°F) 30° is warm (86°F)
40° is hot (104°F)

Sylvia, It depends how quickly and accurately you need the Conversion to be. You can use the "shortcuts" mentioned by others here for a rough idea, but for more precise results you could: > Buy a cheap Metric Conversion Calculator for about $10 > If you have an iPod Touch, iPhone or other Smartphone, download a Converter App (some are available FREE). > Download printed tables from This Website and print out the ones you want. Cheers!

I do it all the time in my head for tourists and friends back in the US. Here's my method From centigrade: 1. double the number 2. subtract 10% 3. add 32 From Fahrenheit 1. subtract 32 2. halve the number 3. add 10% It's easier to double/halve and then do 10% than the 9/5 or 5/9. The result is the same. If 32 is hard, use 30 - close enough to know when you need a sweater and when you need long underwear. Kilos to pounds - double, add 10% pounds to kilos - halve, subtract 10%
Pounds to stones (no clue - let the Brits worry about it) A meter is about 9% longer than a yard. Unless you're competing in the Olympics, they are equivalent. But kilometers and miles are harder and can lead to speeding tickets if you aren't careful. I use 2/3 mile = 1 km. If you are 20 miles from downtown, you aren't really almost 14 kms, but you probably aren't exactly 20 miles, either.

This is a fun parlor game. Bring up metric conversions in a group of friends or colleagues. You'll find some who know all the formulas, and some whose eyes bug out at the thought. But the guys who dealt a little pot in high school always, always know that a kilo is 2.2 pounds.

I bet they know what a gram is too!

I bet Rick Steves knows as well!

By the way, although often refered to as centigrade in the US, the correct term and the term always used in Europe is degrees Celsius. Centigrade is an old designation and is never heard in Europe except in the UK.