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Enter the temperature in Delisle degrees (0 °De = boiling point of water).
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📋 Delisle to Celsius Reference Quick conversion guide
Key Temperatures
Water Boils (°De)0 °De = 100 °C
Water Freezes (°De)150 °De = 0 °C
Room Temperature~111 °De ≈ 26 °C
Absolute Zero559.725 °De ≈ −273.15 °C
Conversion Formula
°C = 100 − (°De × 2/3)
or °C = (150 − °De) × 2/3
Delisle Scale Inverted temperature scale
Unit Symbol °De
Invented By Joseph-Nicolas Delisle (1732)
Key Feature Higher = Colder
Note: The Delisle scale is inverted , unlike most temperature scales, higher readings mean colder temperatures. 0 °De is the boiling point of water, and 150 °De is the freezing point. This unique scale was widely used in Russia during the 18th century.

What Is the Delisle Scale?

The Delisle scale (°De) is a temperature scale invented in 1732 by the French astronomer Joseph-Nicolas Delisle (1688–1768). It is notable as one of the few temperature scales that are inverted , unlike most scales, higher measurements in degrees Delisle mean colder temperatures, while lower measurements mean warmer temperatures.

Key characteristics of the Delisle scale:

  • Zero point: 0 °De = the boiling point of water (100 °C).
  • Freezing point: 150 °De = the freezing point of water (0 °C).
  • Inverted scale: Higher numbers = colder temperatures.
  • Absolute zero: 559.725 °De ≈ −273.15 °C.
  • Conversion formula: °C = 100 − (°De × 2/3) or °C = (150 − °De) × 2/3.

The Delisle scale was widely used in Russia during the 18th century, where Delisle had been invited by Peter the Great to establish an observatory in St. Petersburg. In 1738, Josias Weitbrecht recalibrated the scale with two fixed points: 0 °De as the boiling point and 150 °De as the freezing point of water. The scale has since been largely forgotten and replaced by the Celsius scale.

How to Convert Delisle to Celsius

The formula to convert Delisle to Celsius is:

°C = 100 − (°De × 2/3)

or °C = (150 − °De) × 2/3

This formula works because:

  • 0 °De corresponds to the boiling point of water (100 °C).
  • 150 °De corresponds to the freezing point of water (0 °C).
  • Each Delisle degree is equivalent to 2/3 of a degree Celsius.

For example, to convert 150 °De (the freezing point of water) to Celsius:

°C = 100 − (150 × 2/3)

°C = 100 − 100

°C = 0 °C

To convert 0 °De (the boiling point of water) to Celsius:

°C = 100 − (0 × 2/3)

°C = 100 − 0

°C = 100 °C

Why Use This Converter?

  • Instant results: Get accurate temperature conversions in real-time.
  • Step-by-step breakdown: See exactly how the conversion is calculated.
  • Common reference table: Quickly check temperatures from 0 °De to 150 °De.
  • Free & private: No registration, no data storage , all calculations are done in your browser.

❓ Delisle to Celsius FAQ

What is the formula to convert Delisle to Celsius?

The formula is °C = 100 − (°De × 2/3) or alternatively °C = (150 − °De) × 2/3.

What is the Delisle scale used for?

The Delisle scale was invented in 1732 by French astronomer Joseph-Nicolas Delisle. It was widely used in Russia during the 18th century but has since been largely forgotten and replaced by the Celsius scale.

Why is the Delisle scale inverted?

The Delisle scale is inverted because 0 °De was set as the boiling point of water and 150 °De as the freezing point. This means higher numbers mean colder temperatures , the opposite of most temperature scales.

What is absolute zero in Delisle?

Absolute zero (0 K, −273.15 °C) is approximately 559.725 °De.

What is the boiling point of water in Delisle?

The boiling point of water is 0 °De (100 °C).

What is the freezing point of water in Delisle?

The freezing point of water is 150 °De (0 °C).

Who invented the Delisle scale?

The Delisle scale was invented by Joseph-Nicolas Delisle (1688–1768), a French astronomer.

Is the Delisle scale still used today?

The Delisle scale is largely obsolete for everyday use but is still referenced in historical studies and certain scientific contexts.

How accurate is this converter?

This converter provides highly accurate results using the standard formula °C = 100 − (°De × 2/3). You can adjust the decimal precision to suit your needs.

Is this converter free?

Yes, this converter is completely free to use. No registration or personal data storage is required.