Celsius to Fahrenheit for Nurses — Body Temp and Fever Reference
- Normal body temp: 37°C = 98.6°F. Fever starts at 38°C = 100.4°F. High fever: 39°C = 102.2°F. Dangerous: 40°C = 104°F. These are the numbers nurses work with daily.
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Normal body temperature is 37°C = 98.6°F. Fever begins at 38°C = 100.4°F. In nursing practice, knowing these reference points without calculating saves critical seconds. The converter above handles any temperature — use the Temperature tab, select Celsius and Fahrenheit.
The formula: °F = (°C × 9/5) + 32. For the reverse: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9. But the clinical reference points below are worth memorizing outright.
Clinical Temperature Reference — Celsius and Fahrenheit
| Condition | Celsius | Fahrenheit | Clinical Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypothermia (severe) | below 32°C | below 89.6°F | emergency warming |
| Hypothermia (moderate) | 32–35°C | 89.6–95°F | active warming |
| Hypothermia (mild) | 35–36°C | 95–96.8°F | monitor, warm patient |
| Normal | 36–37.5°C | 96.8–99.5°F | routine monitoring |
| Low-grade fever | 37.5–38°C | 99.5–100.4°F | monitor, assess |
| Fever | 38–39°C | 100.4–102.2°F | antipyretics, fluids |
| High fever | 39–40°C | 102.2–104°F | prompt intervention |
| Hyperpyrexia | above 40°C | above 104°F | emergency cooling |
Pediatric Temperature — Fever Thresholds by Age
Fever thresholds vary by age and measurement site. Rectal temperatures run about 0.5°C (0.9°F) higher than oral; axillary runs about 0.5°C lower.
- Newborn (0–3 months): any temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above requires immediate evaluation
- Infant (3–12 months): fever at 38.5°C (101.3°F) or above — contact provider
- Toddler/child: 38°C oral (100.4°F) is the standard fever threshold
- Adult: 38°C oral (100.4°F) is fever; 40°C (104°F) is high fever requiring prompt action
Quick Conversion Formula for Bedside Use
When you need to convert quickly without a calculator or tool:
Celsius to Fahrenheit: Double the °C, subtract 10% of the original, add 32.
Example: 39°C → double = 78, minus 10% of 39 (= 3.9) → 78 − 3.9 = 74.1, plus 32 = 106.1°F (exact: 102.2°F — this shortcut overstates slightly; use the exact formula for documentation).
For documentation and medication orders, always use the exact formula or a calibrated device. The mental math shortcut is for orientation only.
Temperature in Medication Dosing
Some medication orders and storage requirements are temperature-dependent. Common reference points: medications stored at room temperature typically require 15–25°C (59–77°F). Refrigerated medications require 2–8°C (35.6–46.4°F). Frozen medications require below -10°C (14°F) or below -20°C (-4°F) depending on the drug.
When a storage label gives only Celsius and your facility uses Fahrenheit monitoring, the unit converter above handles the conversion precisely.
Convert Temperatures Instantly
Celsius, Fahrenheit, Kelvin — exact conversions for clinical and everyday use. Free.
Open Unit Converter FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What is normal body temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit?
Normal body temperature is 37°C (98.6°F) for a healthy adult. The normal range is approximately 36.1–37.2°C (97–99°F).
What temperature is a fever in Celsius?
A fever in adults is typically defined as 38°C (100.4°F) or higher when measured orally.
What is 39 degrees Celsius in Fahrenheit?
39°C = (39 × 9/5) + 32 = 70.2 + 32 = 102.2°F. This is considered a high fever in adults.
What is 38.5°C in Fahrenheit?
38.5°C = (38.5 × 9/5) + 32 = 69.3 + 32 = 101.3°F — a moderate fever.
