Oven Temperature Converter
Enter a temperature in any system and all four show instantly: gas mark, conventional oven °C, fan/convection oven °C, and Fahrenheit. With a verbal description. Nothing uploaded.
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Equivalents
Learn more: oven temperature conversion and gas mark
The four oven temperature systems and why they exist
Recipes from different countries use different temperature scales. Most of the world uses Celsius, the UK uses gas marks (a legacy scale from vintage ovens), North America uses Fahrenheit. To add complexity, fan-assisted (convection) ovens in Europe are marked differently from conventional ovens - they run hotter, so a given dial setting cooks at a lower effective temperature. Gas Mark 6 equals 200°C conventional, 180°C fan, 400°F, all representing the same heat level across different systems.
How fan ovens differ from conventional - the 15-20 degree rule
Fan (convection) ovens circulate hot air around the food, making heat transfer more efficient. When a recipe specifies 200°C conventional, you should reduce it to roughly 180°C in a fan oven to achieve the same cooking effect. Most European recipes and ovens account for this difference, but imported US recipes written in Fahrenheit may not. A 350°F (176°C) conventional recipe becomes approximately 330°F (165°C) in a fan oven.
Gas mark scale - historic UK and Commonwealth standard
Gas marks are still used in the UK, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries. The scale originally ran from 1 to 9, with gas mark 1 being the lowest heat and gas mark 9 being the hottest. Modern ovens sometimes extend to 10. The scale is non-linear: gas mark 1 is approximately 135°C, but the gaps between marks increase toward the high end. International recipes increasingly omit gas mark entirely, but UK recipes and vintage cookbooks rely on it.
FAQ
If I have a 200°C recipe, what temperature do I use in my fan oven?
Subtract 15-20°C. So 200°C conventional becomes 180-185°C fan. Every oven varies slightly, so start at the lower temperature and add time if needed rather than risking overcooked food.
What is gas mark 4 in Celsius?
Gas mark 4 is 180°C in a conventional oven, or approximately 160°C in a fan oven (350°F). This is one of the most common baking temperatures for cakes, cookies, and muffins.
Should I always reduce temperature in a fan oven?
Yes, nearly always. The only exceptions are for thin foods like pastries or when you want extra browning. Check your oven's manual - some newer fan ovens have automatic compensation built in, though it's rare.