Oven Temperature Converter
Convert oven temperatures between Celsius, Fahrenheit and Gas Mark.
Oven Temperature Reference
| Description | °C | °F | Gas Mark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very low | 120°C | 250°F | ½ |
| Low | 150°C | 300°F | 2 |
| Moderate | 180°C | 350°F | 4 |
| Moderately hot | 190°C | 375°F | 5 |
| Hot | 200°C | 400°F | 6 |
| Very hot | 220°C | 425°F | 7 |
| Extremely hot | 240°C | 475°F | 9 |
What is an oven temperature converter?
An oven temperature converter translates between Celsius, Fahrenheit, and gas mark settings used in different countries' recipes. American recipes use Fahrenheit, most European recipes use Celsius, and traditional British recipes often use gas marks. This tool converts between all three instantly.
Getting the oven temperature right is critical for baking success. A 25-degree error can mean the difference between a perfectly browned cake and a burnt or undercooked one. This converter includes common baking temperatures and their descriptions (low, moderate, hot) for quick reference.
How to use this tool
Enter a temperature in Celsius, Fahrenheit, or gas mark, and see the equivalent in all other scales instantly. The tool also shows a description of the heat level and suggests what types of cooking are appropriate at that temperature.
Common oven temperatures
- Low: 150 C / 300 F / Gas 2 — slow roasts, meringues, drying herbs.
- Moderate: 180 C / 350 F / Gas 4 — cakes, cookies, casseroles.
- Hot: 200 C / 400 F / Gas 6 — bread, roasted vegetables, pizza.
- Very hot: 230 C / 450 F / Gas 8 — pizza (Neapolitan style), searing, fast roasts.
Oven temperature tips
Home ovens can vary by 10-25 degrees from the displayed temperature. Use an oven thermometer to check accuracy. Convection (fan) ovens circulate hot air and typically cook 10-15 degrees C hotter than the setting (or 25 F). When using a convection oven with a standard recipe, reduce the temperature by that amount or shorten the cooking time by about 10-15%.
Frequently asked questions
What are gas marks?
Gas marks are a temperature scale used on gas ovens in the UK and some Commonwealth countries. Gas mark 1 is 140 C (275 F), and each increment adds roughly 14 C (25 F). Gas mark 4 (180 C / 350 F) is the most commonly referenced in British recipes. Modern gas ovens often show both gas marks and Celsius.
Should I preheat my oven?
Yes, for baking. Putting food into a cold oven means uneven cooking and unreliable results because the temperature ramps up during the initial phase. Most ovens take 10-15 minutes to reach the set temperature. Preheating is less critical for slow roasts and casseroles, which cook over long periods. Some bread recipes specifically start in a cold oven for a particular crust texture.