Ever been frustrated trying to convert degrees Fahrenheit into degrees Celsius? You’re not alone.
Science has offered formulas, calculators, and apps, but let’s face it—most of us don’t want to whip out our phones or do math in our heads just to figure out if we need a jacket.
Enter a quirky yet brilliant hack that blends New York City subway stops with temperature conversion.
Yes, you read that right. With a little creativity and a bit of urban geography, this method simplifies conversions so much that you’ll wonder why you didn’t learn it sooner.
Here’s the gist: –10°C is equivalent to 14°F, and from there, you can use the stops on the #6 uptown subway line as a reference system.
Move up each stop, and you’ll have a reasonably accurate conversion between Celsius and Fahrenheit.
It’s not perfect, but it’s intuitive—and for the math-averse among us, it’s a game changer.
Let’s break it down with a handy chart tweeted by Gabor Cselle, chief technology officer at Sidewalk Labs.
Imagine the New York subway map, specifically the 6 Line, and align it with Celsius and Fahrenheit temperatures.
Suddenly, what seemed like an arcane mathematical challenge becomes as simple as remembering a few metro stops.
Why This Works (And Why It’s Genius)
The standard formula for converting Celsius to Fahrenheit is °C x (9/5) + 32 = °F. If you’ve tried it, you know it’s not exactly intuitive.
Most people don’t carry fractions in their heads, let alone the patience to multiply and add while standing in the cold.
That’s why so many of us rely on Google or a smartphone app for conversions.
But what if there was a way to bypass the math while still getting a functional approximation? That’s where this subway hack comes in.
It’s based on a simple premise: each Celsius degree corresponds to roughly 1.8 Fahrenheit degrees.
By starting with a known pair—–10°C = 14°F—and then moving up or down by increments, you can mentally map out the temperatures using familiar subway stops.
For example:
- –10°C = 14°F at the 14th Street stop
- 0°C = 32°F near 32nd Street (skip the 28th stop for accuracy!)
- 10°C = 50°F at 50th Street
Does it work everywhere? Not exactly. But if you’re in New York—or just a fan of the Big Apple—it’s an easy, memorable trick to keep in mind.
Isn’t Google Faster?
Now, you might be thinking: “Why bother with all this when I can Google it in two seconds?” Fair question. In a world of instant answers, why memorize anything?
Here’s the counterargument: there’s a certain satisfaction in doing things yourself.
Mental shortcuts like this one not only save time but also engage your brain in creative ways.
Plus, there’s something undeniably fun about turning a mundane activity—temperature conversion—into a mini mental map of New York City.
And let’s not forget the practical side: not everyone has reliable internet access 24/7.
Whether you’re traveling, camping, or just in a no-signal zone, this trick gives you a reliable way to estimate temperatures without digital assistance.
A Brief History of This Clever Hack
This idea didn’t spring fully formed from Cselle’s tweet. In fact, it’s been floating around for years.
While Cselle credited Craig NM as the source, journalist Eve Peyser at Gizmodo traced it back even further—to a 2006 post by Fred Rabin on a RailRoad forum.
Rabin’s original post outlined the subway-temperature connection in detail, setting the stage for its viral resurgence years later.
And there’s more: a slightly eerie video surfaced in 2015, explaining the same concept in a highly unconventional way. ,
While the video’s tone might not be for everyone, the core message remains the same: temperature conversions don’t have to be complicated.
How to Use This Hack in Real Life
Ready to give it a try? Here’s how you can apply this method:
- Memorize the Key Starting Point: –10°C equals 14°F.
- Think in Subway Stops: Picture the 6 Line in Manhattan and associate temperatures with the corresponding street numbers.
- Skip the 28th Stop: For some reason, this one doesn’t align perfectly. Just jump from 23rd to 32nd Street.
- Adjust for Precision: This method provides an approximation, so if you need exact temperatures for scientific or medical reasons, stick to the formula or a reliable app.
Why It’s More Than a Party Trick
At first glance, this hack might seem like a novelty—something to share with friends or show off at trivia night.
But it’s also a great example of how creative thinking can simplify everyday problems.
In a broader sense, it underscores the value of making abstract concepts tangible.
Whether it’s using subway stops for temperature conversions or visualizing math problems through real-world analogies, these methods help bridge the gap between knowledge and application.
Final Thoughts
In a world where technology often does the heavy lifting, it’s refreshing to stumble across a trick that empowers us to think differently.
Gabor Cselle’s subway-temperature hack isn’t just clever—it’s a reminder that even the most complex problems can have elegant, human-centered solutions.
So, the next time you’re wondering whether it’s cold enough for a jacket, think of the 6 Line, skip the 28th stop, and let New York City guide you.
Who knew the subway map could double as a mental thermometer?
