Have you ever seen the word “centigrade” in a book and “Celsius” in a weather report and wondered if they are different?
This is a very common confusion. Many students, English learners, and even adults are not sure which word is correct. Some think they are two different temperature systems. Others think one is more scientific than the other.
The truth is simple, but many articles do not explain it clearly. This guide will remove all confusion in an easy and friendly way.
Quick Answer
- Celsius and centigrade refer to the same temperature scale
- Celsius is the modern and correct name
- Centigrade is the old name
- Both use:
- 0 degrees for freezing water
- 100 degrees for boiling water
👉 Simple rule:
Use “Celsius” in modern English
Simple Background
A long time ago, scientists wanted a simple way to measure temperature.
They created a scale based on water:
- Water freezes at zero
- Water boils at one hundred
Because there are one hundred steps between these points, the scale was first called centigrade:
- “Centi” means one hundred
- “Grade” means steps
Later, the name was changed to Celsius to honor a scientist named Anders Celsius.
What Is the Difference?
Here is the most important point:
👉 There is no difference in temperature value
Both words describe the same scale.
The only difference is the name.
- Centigrade → old name
- Celsius → modern and official name
Example:
- Twenty five degrees Celsius
- Twenty five degrees centigrade
👉 Both mean the same temperature
Comparison Table
| Feature | Celsius | Centigrade |
| Meaning | Modern name | Old name |
| Usage | Used today worldwide | Rarely used now |
| Scientific use | Yes | No |
| Temperature scale | Zero to one hundred system | Same |
| Difference | Name only | Name only |
Why the Name Changed
The change from centigrade to Celsius was made to avoid confusion.
The word “centigrade” was also used for measuring angles, not just temperature. This created problems in science.
To make things clear, scientists chose the name Celsius.
👉 Today, in education and science, Celsius is the correct term
Which One Should You Use?
In modern life, you should use Celsius in almost all situations:
- School and exams
- Weather reports
- News and media
- Daily conversation
You may still hear “centigrade”:
- In old books
- From older speakers
- In informal talk
👉 But the best choice today is always Celsius
Common Mistakes People Make
Thinking they are different systems
Some people think centigrade and Celsius are like Fahrenheit and Celsius.
👉 This is incorrect. They are the same system.
Using both words together
Example:
❌ 30°C centigrade
👉 This is wrong because both mean the same thing.
✔ Correct:
- 30°C
- 30 degrees Celsius
Using centigrade in exams
Students sometimes use the old term.
👉 It is better to use Celsius in writing and exams.
Believing centigrade is more scientific
👉 In fact, Celsius is the official scientific term today.
Everyday Real Life Examples
Understanding becomes easier when we see real situations.
In school
A teacher may ask:
- “At what temperature does water boil?”
Correct answer: one hundred degrees Celsius
In weather reports
- “Today’s temperature is thirty five degrees Celsius”
- “Tonight it will be cooler at twenty degrees Celsius”
While traveling
Most countries use Celsius. If you travel and see temperature displays, they are usually in Celsius.
On thermometers
Modern thermometers are labeled in °C, not centigrade.
In daily conversation
- “It’s very hot today, almost forty degrees Celsius”
- “Winter is cold, around ten degrees Celsius”
👉 These examples show how Celsius is used in real life.
A Quick Note About Fahrenheit
Some countries use another scale called Fahrenheit.
- Water freezes at thirty two degrees Fahrenheit
- Water boils at two hundred twelve degrees Fahrenheit
👉 This is completely different from Celsius (or centigrade)
Easy Memory Trick
If you feel confused, remember this simple rule:
👉 Celsius is the name you should use today
👉 Centigrade is just the old name
Simple Learning Section for Students
Here is an easy way to learn and remember:
- Zero degrees Celsius = freezing water
- One hundred degrees Celsius = boiling water
Practice sentences:
- The temperature is twenty five degrees Celsius
- It is very hot at forty degrees Celsius
👉 Use Celsius when speaking and writing
FAQ
Are Celsius and centigrade the same?
Yes, they are the same temperature scale.
Why do some people still say centigrade?
Older habits and old books still use the word.
Which term is correct today?
Celsius is the correct and modern term.
Will I lose marks if I write centigrade?
In many cases, teachers prefer Celsius, so it is safer to use it.
Is Celsius used all over the world?
Yes, most countries use Celsius for temperature.
Is centigrade wrong?
It is not wrong, but it is outdated.
Why was the name changed?
To avoid confusion and to honor the scientist Anders Celsius.
What does °C mean?
It means degrees Celsius, a unit of temperature.
Conclusion
Now the confusion between Celsius and centigrade should be completely clear.
- Both describe the same temperature scale
- There is no difference in measurement
- The only difference is the name
👉 Centigrade is the old term
👉 Celsius is the modern and correct term
If you want to speak and write clearly in today’s world, remember this simple line:
👉 Always use “Celsius”
