What is Gas Mark to Celsius Conversion?

Gas Mark is a temperature scale used on gas ovens in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and some Commonwealth countries. Converting Gas Mark to Celsius is essential when following British recipes on modern electric or fan ovens that display temperature in degrees.

Understanding Gas Mark

The Gas Mark scale typically ranges from ¼ to 10, with each number representing a specific temperature. Unlike Celsius or Fahrenheit, Gas Mark doesn't follow a simple mathematical progression—the scale was designed empirically based on oven regulator positions.

Common Gas Mark Temperatures

Gas Mark 1-2 (140-150°C): Very slow cooking, meringues
Gas Mark 3-4 (160-180°C): Slow roasting, cakes, biscuits
Gas Mark 5-6 (190-200°C): Moderate roasting, pastries
Gas Mark 7-9 (220-240°C): High heat roasting, bread

Why You Need This Converter

British cookbooks and TV cooking shows often reference Gas Mark settings. If your oven uses Celsius (most modern ovens), this converter ensures you set the correct temperature for perfect results.

How to Use the Gas Mark to Celsius Converter

Conversion Steps

Enter the Gas Mark - Type the number from your recipe (1-10)
Read the Celsius result - See the exact oven temperature needed
Set your oven - Preheat to the displayed temperature

Common Baking Conversions

Gas Mark 1 = 140°C - Very slow, for drying meringues
Gas Mark 3 = 160°C - Slow baking, rich fruitcake
Gas Mark 4 = 180°C - Most cakes and biscuits
Gas Mark 5 = 190°C - Pies and pastries
Gas Mark 6 = 200°C - Roasting vegetables
Gas Mark 7 = 220°C - Bread and Yorkshire pudding

Fan Oven Adjustment

If using a fan (convection) oven, reduce the temperature by 20°C from the converted result. Fan ovens circulate hot air, cooking more efficiently at lower temperatures.

Fractional Gas Marks

Some recipes use Gas Mark ¼ or ½ for very low temperatures. The converter handles decimal values: enter 0.25 for Gas Mark ¼ or 0.5 for Gas Mark ½.

Converter Features

Full Gas Mark Range

The converter supports the complete Gas Mark scale from ¼ (107°C) to 10 (260°C). Enter any value, including fractional marks like ½ or decimal values for interpolated temperatures.

Baking-Focused Reference

The quick reference shows temperatures organized by baking category:

Gas 1-2: Slow baking, meringues, drying
Gas 3-4: Standard cakes, biscuits
Gas 5-6: Pastries, roasting
Gas 7-8: High-heat baking, bread

Instant Calculation

Results appear as you type, making it quick to check multiple temperatures while planning a meal or reviewing recipes.

Bidirectional Conversion

Use the swap button to convert Celsius back to Gas Mark. Helpful when adapting metric recipes for someone with a gas oven.

Mobile-Friendly Design

Access the converter on your phone while cooking. Large buttons and clear display work well in a busy kitchen environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gas Mark 4 in Celsius?

Gas Mark 4 equals 180°C (356°F). This is the most commonly used temperature for baking cakes, cookies, and general baking.

What is Gas Mark 6 in Celsius?

Gas Mark 6 equals 200°C (400°F). This is standard for roasting vegetables, cooking casseroles, and baking pastries.

Why doesn't Gas Mark follow a simple formula?

Gas Mark was developed empirically in the early 20th century based on oven regulator positions, not mathematical relationships. The scale roughly increases by 10-20°C per mark, but not linearly.

Should I adjust for a fan oven?

Yes. Fan (convection) ovens cook more efficiently, so reduce the temperature by 20°C from the converted result. If a recipe says Gas Mark 6 (200°C), use 180°C in a fan oven.

What is the lowest Gas Mark?

The lowest commonly used setting is Gas Mark ¼ (107°C), used for very slow cooking or keeping food warm. Gas Mark ½ (121°C) is used for meringues and slow drying.

Why do British recipes use Gas Mark?

Gas Mark became standard in Britain when gas ovens were common. Though electric ovens now dominate, many traditional recipes and cookbooks still reference Gas Mark settings.

Gas Mark to Celsius