Whether you’re following a recipe from an American website or buying a new oven, understanding how to convert between Celsius and Fahrenheit can save you from many kitchen mishaps. While the UK primarily uses Celsius (°C), many global recipes — especially American ones — list temperatures in Fahrenheit (°F).
Understanding the Celsius and Fahrenheit Scales
The Celsius Scale Explained
The Celsius scale, part of the metric system, is based on the freezing and boiling points of water: 0°C and 100°C, respectively. It’s widely used in the UK, Europe, and most countries around the world, making it the standard for weather forecasts, science, and everyday cooking.
The Fahrenheit Scale Explained
The Fahrenheit scale, created by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in the 18th century, sets 32°F as the freezing point of water and 212°F as the boiling point. It’s still popular in the United States for daily use — from oven settings to weather reports.
How to Convert 190°C to Fahrenheit
The Formula: (°C × 9/5) + 32 = °F
The conversion formula is straightforward:
°F=(°C×9/5)+32°F = (°C × 9/5) + 32
This formula allows you to quickly translate any Celsius temperature into its Fahrenheit equivalent.
Worked Example: 190°C in Fahrenheit
Let’s calculate it step-by-step:
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Multiply 190°C by 9/5
→ 190 × 9/5 = 342 -
Add 32 to the result
→ 342 + 32 = 374°F
✅ Therefore, 190°C = 374°F
Quick Conversion Chart for Common Oven Temperatures
| Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) | Gas Mark | Oven Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160°C | 320°F | 3 | Moderate |
| 180°C | 356°F | 4 | Moderate/Hot |
| 190°C | 374°F | 5 | Moderate/Hot |
| 200°C | 392°F | 6 | Hot |
| 220°C | 428°F | 7 | Very Hot |
(Source: BBC Good Food – Oven Temperature Guide
190°C in Everyday Cooking
Baking and Roasting at 190°C
A temperature of 190°C (374°F) is ideal for a wide range of dishes, from roast chicken to Victoria sponge cakes. It’s considered a moderately hot oven setting, perfect for recipes that need a golden crust and a soft interior.
Common dishes cooked at 190°C include:
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Roast vegetables
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Shortbread biscuits
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Shepherd’s pie
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Chicken thighs or drumsticks
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Puff pastry tarts
Fan Oven vs Conventional Oven Temperatures
Fan-assisted ovens distribute heat more evenly, meaning you can reduce the temperature by about 20°C.
So, if a recipe says 190°C in a conventional oven, you can set 170°C in a fan oven for the same result.
Related: 190 C to F
Tips for Accurate Temperature Conversion
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Use an oven thermometer to check if your appliance heats correctly.
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Avoid rounding errors — especially in baking, where precision matters.
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Remember the 20°C fan difference to prevent overcooking.
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Keep a small conversion chart on your fridge for quick reference.
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Practice with recipes that list both Celsius and Fahrenheit — it builds intuition quickly!

