Oven Temperature Guide

A moderate oven is 350°F, 180°C or gas mark 4 (177°C exactly) and a hot one 425°F, 220°C or gas mark 7; for a fan oven set it 20°C lower, and for a US convection oven 25°F lower.

Published January 16, 2026 · Updated June 11, 2026

Convert an Oven Temperature

Fahrenheit

350°F is

177 °C

Oven dial: 180 °C
Fan oven: 160 °C
Gas mark: 4

Moderate oven. Dials step in 10 °C and 25 °F, so the setting rounds.

Oven Temperature Conversion Chart

Fahrenheit	Celsius	Celsius dial	Fan	Gas Mark	Description
225°F	107°C	110°C	90°C	¼	Very Low
250°F	121°C	120°C	100°C	½	Very Low
275°F	135°C	140°C	120°C	1	Low
300°F	149°C	150°C	130°C	2	Low
325°F	163°C	160°C	140°C	3	Moderately Low
350°F	177°C	180°C	160°C	4	Moderate
375°F	191°C	190°C	170°C	5	Moderate
400°F	204°C	200°C	180°C	6	Moderately Hot
425°F	218°C	220°C	200°C	7	Hot
450°F	232°C	230°C	210°C	8	Hot
475°F	246°C	240°C	220°C	9	Very Hot
500°F	260°C	260°C	240°C	10	Very Hot

Understanding Oven Temperature Settings

Recipes often describe oven temperatures using terms like "moderate" or "hot" oven. Here's what these terms mean. Celsius here is the exact conversion; a Celsius dial rounds to the nearest 10°C, so 350°F is set as 180°C.

Setting	°F	°C	Gas	Common Uses
Warming/Proofing	170-200°F	77-93°C	¼	Keeping food warm, proofing bread dough
Very Slow/Very Low	250-275°F	121-135°C	½-1	Slow cooking, drying, meringues
Slow/Low	300-325°F	149-163°C	2-3	Slow roasting, casseroles, cheesecakes
Moderate	350-375°F	177-191°C	4-5	Cakes, cookies, most baking
Moderately Hot	400°F	204°C	6	Quick breads, pies, roasting
Hot	425-450°F	218-232°C	7-8	Bread, pizza, high-heat roasting
Very Hot	475-500°F	246-260°C	9-10	Pizza, searing, broiling

Oven Temperature Tips

Preheating

Always preheat your oven for at least 10-15 minutes before baking. Most ovens signal when preheated, but using an oven thermometer ensures accuracy.

Oven Thermometer

Oven temperatures can vary by 25-50°F from the set temperature. An oven thermometer helps ensure accurate baking results.

Convection Adjustment

For a fan oven, set the temperature 20°C lower (180°C becomes 160°C fan); for a US convection oven, 25°F lower, or start checking a quarter of the time sooner. The circulating air cooks faster.

Altitude Adjustment

At high altitudes (above 3,000 ft), increase oven temperature by 15-25°F. Baked goods need higher heat to set before they over-rise.

Temperature Guide by Baked Good

Baked Good	Temperature	Notes
Cookies	325-375°F163-191°C	Lower for chewy, higher for crispy
Cakes	325-350°F163-177°C	Delicate cakes at lower temp
Bread	375-450°F191-232°C	Crusty breads need high heat
Pizza	450-500°F232-260°C	As hot as your oven can go
Pies	375-425°F191-218°C	Start high for crust, reduce for filling
Muffins	375-400°F191-204°C	High heat for good rise
Cheesecake	300-325°F149-163°C	Low and slow prevents cracking
Roast Vegetables	400-450°F204-232°C	High heat for caramelization

Questions

What temperature is a "moderate" oven?

A moderate oven is typically 350°F or Gas Mark 4: 177°C exactly, which a Celsius oven dial sets as 180°C (160°C fan). This is the most common baking temperature for cakes, cookies, and many other baked goods.

What is Gas Mark and how do I use it?

Gas Mark is a temperature scale used on gas ovens in the UK and some Commonwealth countries. Gas Mark 4 equals 350°F (177°C, set as 180°C on a Celsius dial), and each Mark increases by about 25°F (14°C).

What temperature should I bake a cake?

Most cakes bake at 325-375°F (163-191°C, or 160-190°C on a Celsius dial). A standard temperature is 350°F (177°C, set as 180°C). Delicate cakes may need 325°F, while denser cakes can handle 375°F.

What temperature is best for roasting?

Roasting typically uses higher temperatures: 400-450°F (204-232°C). Vegetables roast well at 425°F, while meats vary based on the cut and desired doneness.

How do I adjust baking time for different temperatures?

When increasing temperature by 25°F, reduce baking time by about 5-10 minutes. When decreasing by 25°F, add 5-10 minutes. Check for doneness rather than relying solely on time.