By Heather Laurent | Updated Mar 24, 2022

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Whether you’re a chef, a medical professional, or simply a home user in the United States, reading temperatures in Fahrenheit can be more intuitive. If your digital thermometer doesn’t display Fahrenheit by default, you can easily switch the unit or convert the reading yourself.

Step 1: Check the Manual

Locate your device’s user manual—often available online if you’ve misplaced the physical copy. Verify whether the thermometer supports multiple temperature scales and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to toggle to Fahrenheit. The exact procedure varies by model.

Step 2: Look for a Unit Toggle Button

Many kitchen and industrial thermometers include a dedicated button that cycles between Celsius and Fahrenheit. If you can’t find the manual, inspect the device for such a button or navigate its settings menu to select the desired unit.

Step 3: Convert Manually (If Needed)

When the thermometer lacks a built‑in conversion, use the standard formula: multiply the Celsius reading by 1.8 and add 32. For example, a 45 °C reading becomes 113 °F (45 × 1.8 = 81; 81 + 32 = 113).

Step 4: Verify with an Online Converter

Confirm your calculation using a reputable online tool, such as the National Weather Service temperature converter at www.wbuf.noaa.gov/tempfc.htm.

Things You’ll Need

• Digital thermometer
• User’s manual (or online reference)
• Calculator (optional for manual conversion)

By following these straightforward steps, you’ll ensure accurate temperature readings in the unit that best suits your needs.