About the Oven Temperature converter
British recipes usually give oven temperatures in Gas Mark, while most modern ovens are calibrated in Celsius (fan or conventional) and many older or US recipes use Fahrenheit. This converter shows all three side by side so you never have to guess.
Celsius, Fahrenheit and Gas Mark
Gas Mark 1 is roughly 140°C / 275°F and each mark adds around 15°C. Gas Mark 4 (180°C / 350°F) is the standard moderate oven used for most cakes and biscuits, and Gas Mark 7 (220°C / 425°F) is a hot oven used for bread and roasting.
Fan vs conventional ovens
A fan (convection) oven runs about 20°C hotter than a conventional oven because the moving air transfers heat more efficiently. If a recipe gives a conventional temperature and you have a fan oven, subtract 20°C, or set your oven to its fan-equivalent setting.
Getting a true reading
Domestic oven dials are often 10–20°C off. A cheap oven thermometer sitting on the middle shelf is the fastest way to know what temperature your oven really is, and it usually explains why bakes brown too fast or too slow.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a moderate oven?
- Moderate normally means 180°C / 350°F / Gas Mark 4. It is the default temperature for most cakes, cookies, and casseroles.
- How hot is Gas Mark 9?
- Gas Mark 9 is around 240°C / 475°F, a very hot oven used for pizza, quick browning, and the initial blast for bread.