98.6 °F to °C
98.6 °F = 37 °C
°F
To
—
°C
Step-by-Step: 98.6 °F to °C
- Start with 98.6 °F
- Subtract 32: 98.6 - 32 = 66.6
- Multiply by 5/9: 66.6 x 5/9 = 37 °C
98.6°F (37°C) is the standard human body temperature, established by Carl Wunderlich in 1851 after measuring ~25,000 patients. Modern research suggests the average is closer to 97.9°F (36.6°C), possibly because chronic infections have decreased over 150 years. In medicine, above 100.4°F (38°C) is generally a fever. Heat stroke occurs above 104°F (40°C) — a medical emergency. Below 95°F (35°C) signals hypothermia.
Did You Know?
Your body temperature fluctuates by about 1°F (0.6°C) throughout the day — lowest around 4 AM, highest around 6 PM.
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FAQ
The traditional standard is 98.6°F, but modern studies show average is ~97.9°F. A range of 97–99°F is considered normal.
100.4°F (38°C) or higher is generally considered a fever.