Celsius vs. Centigrade: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Celsius and Centigrade both refer to the same temperature scale, but "Celsius" is the modern term used internationally since 1948.
Key Differences
Celsius is a temperature scale named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who first proposed it in 1742. Centigrade, derived from Latin roots meaning "hundred steps," was the original name of the scale. While the Celsius scale is widely recognized today, the term Centigrade was used earlier to describe the same scale, dividing the temperature range between the freezing and boiling points of water into 100 degrees.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
The term Celsius became officially adopted internationally in 1948 to honor Anders Celsius and differentiate the scale from other centigrade scales in use. The Centigrade scale, while essentially the same in measurement, was more commonly used before this change. The transition from Centigrade to Celsius was part of a broader effort in standardizing scientific terminology.
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Dec 01, 2023
In the Celsius scale, 0 degrees marks the freezing point of water, and 100 degrees its boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure. The Centigrade scale, though named differently, shares these exact reference points. The consistent use of Celsius in scientific and meteorological contexts reflects a global preference for standardized terminology.
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Dec 01, 2023
While "Celsius" is the term endorsed by international standards organizations like the International System of Units (SI), the term "Centigrade" is still used colloquially in some languages and regions. The practical measurements in both Celsius and Centigrade are identical, with the key difference lying in the nomenclature and historical context.
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Dec 01, 2023
Comparison Chart
Naming Origin
Named after Anders Celsius (1742).
Derived from Latin for "hundred steps."
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Dec 01, 2023
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Adoption Date
Officially adopted internationally in 1948.
Used before the adoption of Celsius.
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Dec 01, 2023
Reference Points
0°C for water's freezing point, 100°C for boiling.
Identical to Celsius: 0° for freezing, 100° for boiling.
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Dec 01, 2023
Current Usage
Preferred in scientific and global contexts.
Mostly historical or colloquial use.
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Dec 01, 2023
Measurement System
Part of the International System of Units (SI).
Same measurements, less standardized.
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Dec 01, 2023
Celsius and Centigrade Definitions
Celsius
A scale for measuring temperature where water freezes at 0°C.
The weather forecast predicts a chilly 5°C tomorrow.
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Nov 27, 2023
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Centigrade
An earlier term for the Celsius temperature scale.
Back in the 1930s, they would say it's 20 degrees Centigrade.
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Nov 27, 2023
Celsius
A globally recognized temperature scale.
Global warming has caused average temperatures to rise by 1°C.
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Nov 27, 2023
Centigrade
Historically used for measuring temperature in hundredths.
The water boils at 100 degrees Centigrade under normal conditions.
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Nov 27, 2023
Celsius
The standard unit of temperature in most of the world.
Doctors recommend keeping the room at 24°C for optimal comfort.
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Nov 27, 2023
Centigrade
An older nomenclature for the Celsius scale.
In old texts, temperatures were often recorded in degrees Centigrade.
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Nov 27, 2023
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Celsius
A metric scale used in scientific contexts for temperature.
The experiment requires heating the solution to 75°C.
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Nov 27, 2023
Centigrade
A term synonymous with Celsius, now less commonly used.
It's about 15 degrees Centigrade outside, quite a mild day.
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Nov 27, 2023
Celsius
A scale integral to climate and weather reporting.
The summer heatwave peaked at a record 40°C.
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Nov 27, 2023
Celsius
Of or relating to a temperature scale that registers the freezing point of water as 0° and the boiling point as 100° under normal atmospheric pressure. See Table at measurement.
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Oct 19, 2023
Celsius
The Celsius thermometer or scale, so called from Anders Celsius, a Swedish astronomer, who invented it. It is the same as the centigrade thermometer or scale.
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Oct 19, 2023
Centigrade
(uncountable) A centigrade temperature scale having the freezing point of water defined as 0° and its boiling point defined as 100° at standard atmospheric pressure. Although formally known as the Celsius scale since 1948, centigrade is still the more commonly found term.
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Oct 19, 2023
Celsius
Swedish astronomer who devised the centigrade thermometer (1701-1744)
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Oct 19, 2023
Centigrade
(countable) A unit of angle equal to the hundredth part of a quadrant. Its symbol is gon.
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Oct 19, 2023
Centigrade
Consisting of a hundred degrees; graduated into a hundred divisions or equal parts.
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Oct 19, 2023
Centigrade
Once a standard term for temperature measurement.
The laboratory instructions specified 37 degrees Centigrade for the incubator.
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Nov 27, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Are Celsius and Centigrade the same?
Yes, they measure temperature in the same way but have different historical names.
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Dec 01, 2023
When did Celsius become the official term?
In 1948, the Ninth General Conference on Weights and Measures officially adopted it.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is Celsius used worldwide?
Yes, Celsius is the standard in most countries and scientific communities.
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Dec 01, 2023
Why do some people still use Centigrade?
Due to historical usage or regional preferences.
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Dec 01, 2023
Why was Centigrade renamed to Celsius?
To honor Anders Celsius and standardize scientific terminology.
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Dec 01, 2023
Do Celsius and Centigrade have different measurements?
No, both scales measure temperature identically.
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Dec 01, 2023
Which industries primarily use Celsius?
Science, healthcare, meteorology, and most international contexts.
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Dec 01, 2023
How do I convert Celsius to Fahrenheit?
Multiply the Celsius temperature by 1.8 and add 32.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is Fahrenheit related to Celsius or Centigrade?
Fahrenheit is a different scale with different reference points.
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Dec 01, 2023
Do any countries still officially use Centigrade?
Most have transitioned to Celsius, but Centigrade might still be used colloquially.
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Dec 01, 2023
And what about 100 degrees?
The boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure.
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Dec 01, 2023
Was Centigrade ever used in the United States?
The U.S. primarily uses Fahrenheit, but Centigrade was known historically.
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Dec 01, 2023
Can I use Celsius and Centigrade interchangeably?
Yes, in most contexts, but Celsius is the more modern and preferred term.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Can temperatures be negative in Celsius/Centigrade?
Yes, both scales can have negative values, indicating temperatures below freezing.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
Is Celsius part of the metric system?
Yes, it's integrated into the International System of Units (SI).
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Dec 01, 2023
Are there any scientific differences between them?
No, the scientific measurements are the same.
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Dec 01, 2023
Why is Celsius preferred in global communication?
Due to its international standardization and widespread acceptance.
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Dec 01, 2023
How does Centigrade relate to Kelvin?
Kelvin is another temperature scale; 0°C equals 273.15 Kelvin.
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Dec 01, 2023
Is Celsius more accurate than Centigrade?
Their accuracy is identical as they are the same scale.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 01, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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