Oven Temperature Conversion Guide: Celsius, Fahrenheit & Gas Mark
Following a recipe from a British cookbook when you have an American oven? Or trying to use a US recipe with a European appliance? Oven temperature conversions are one of the most common kitchen headaches — and one of the easiest to solve.
The Simple Formula
To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius: subtract 32, then multiply by 5/9. To go the other way, multiply by 9/5 and add 32. Or just use our Oven Temperature Converter and skip the math entirely.
Full Oven Temperature Conversion Chart
| Description | Fahrenheit (°F) | Celsius (°C) | Gas Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Low | 250°F | 120°C | ½ |
| Low | 300°F | 150°C | 2 |
| Moderately Low | 325°F | 160°C | 3 |
| Moderate | 350°F | 180°C | 4 |
| Moderately Hot | 375°F | 190°C | 5 |
| Hot | 400°F | 200°C | 6 |
| Hot | 425°F | 220°C | 7 |
| Very Hot | 450°F | 230°C | 8 |
| Extremely Hot | 475°F | 245°C | 9 |
Most Common Temperatures and What They're Used For
325°F / 160°C: Slow roasting, cheesecakes, custards. Low and slow gives you gentle, even cooking.
350°F / 180°C: The most common baking temperature. Cakes, cookies, muffins, and most quick breads are baked here.
375°F / 190°C: Slightly higher for quicker browning. Good for sheet pan cookies and some roasted vegetables.
400°F / 200°C: Roasting vegetables, chicken pieces, fish. High enough to caramelize without burning.
425–450°F / 220–230°C: Pizza, bread, and anything that needs a crisp crust. Also good for high-heat roasting.
Does Oven Type Matter?
Yes — convection (fan-assisted) ovens run hotter than conventional ovens. A general rule is to reduce the temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) when using a convection setting, or reduce cooking time by about 25%. If your oven has both modes, most baking is done in conventional mode unless the recipe specifies otherwise.
Quick Convert
Need a specific temperature not on the chart? Use our Oven Temperature Converter for instant Fahrenheit ↔ Celsius ↔ Gas Mark conversion.
Convection vs Conventional Ovens
Convection ovens (also called fan-assisted ovens) circulate hot air with a fan, cooking food more quickly and evenly than conventional ovens. If you're using a convection setting, reduce the recipe temperature by 25°F (about 15°C), or reduce the cooking time by 20–25%. Most published recipes assume a conventional oven unless they specify otherwise.
Why Your Oven Temperature May Be Off
Most ovens are inaccurate by 25–50°F, and many run hotter or cooler than the dial indicates. If your baked goods consistently come out over or underdone at the stated temperature, consider using an oven thermometer — they cost about $10 and let you know what temperature your oven is actually at. Once you know the offset, you can adjust accordingly.
Altitude and Oven Temperature
At high altitudes (above 3,500 feet), lower air pressure causes baked goods to rise faster and liquids to evaporate more quickly. As a general rule, increase oven temperature by 15–25°F and reduce baking time slightly. For very high altitudes, recipes may need additional flour and less leavening.
Common Baking Temperatures at a Glance
325°F / 160°C: Slow baking — cheesecakes, custards, pound cakes. Low and slow gives gentle, even cooking without overbrowning.
350°F / 180°C: The standard. Most cakes, cookies, and muffins bake here. If a recipe doesn't specify, this is usually a safe starting point.
375°F / 190°C: Slightly hotter for quicker browning. Sheet pan cookies, some quick breads, roasted vegetables.
400°F / 200°C: Roasting territory. Chicken pieces, fish, vegetables. Hot enough to caramelize without burning.
425–450°F / 220–230°C: High heat for crispy results. Pizza, artisan bread, anything that needs a crust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 180°C in Fahrenheit?
180°C is 356°F, which is typically rounded to 350°F in American recipes. This is one of the most common baking temperatures — it's used for cakes, cookies, muffins, and many casseroles. At 350°F/180°C, food cooks through evenly without browning too quickly.
What is Gas Mark 6 in Celsius and Fahrenheit?
Gas Mark 6 is approximately 200°C (400°F). This is a moderately high temperature used for roasting vegetables, baking chicken, and cooking pizzas. Gas Mark 4 is 180°C (350°F); Gas Mark 7 is 220°C (425°F).
Why does my fan oven cook faster than the recipe says?
Fan ovens (convection ovens) circulate hot air around the food, cooking it 20–25% faster than conventional ovens. If your recipe was written for a conventional oven, reduce the temperature by 25°F (15°C) or reduce the cooking time by 20% when using a fan/convection setting. Most modern ovens let you toggle between fan and conventional modes.