# Temperature conversion for the lazy and simple-minded

Updated Feb 2021

This is a new way to convert temperatures between Celsius and Fahrenheit. It’s not the most accurate method, but it might be the easiest.

If you want a little bit of a puzzle, here is the system as a plot:

Did you figure it out? Here’s the system in words:

For the numbers 4, 16, and 28, transposing digits switches from Celsius from Fahrenheit.

If you want even more explanation, here’s the system as a diagram:

It’s a coincidence that these conversion points exist. It’s an even greater coincidence that they divide the range of temperatures in a convenient way.

Range in C Range in F Description
Less than 4°C Less Than 40°F Cold
Between 4°C and 16°C Between 40°F and 61°F Cool
Between 16°C and 28°C Between 61°F and 82°F Warm
More than 28°C More than 82°F Hot

As an example, suppose you are familiar with Celsius and don’t know how to interpret 71°F. Since this is around halfway between 61°F and 82°F you know it is also about halfway between 16°C and 28°C.

# Questions

Question: Did you lie a little bit about the numbers?

Answer: Yes, but by less than 1°F.

Question: Don’t I have to remember “4, 16, 28”?

Answer: Yes. But it’s not that hard! You have 4, then 4 + 12, and 4 + 12 + 12.

Question: Isn’t this a bad system for me, smart person who can easily calculate F=(9/5)C + 32 and C=(5/9)(F - 32) in my head?