Gas mark temperatures are a legacy measurement used in older British recipes and on some gas ovens. Many cooks need to convert between gas marks and degrees Celsius when following recipes written in different measurement systems. The conversion table is straightforward once you understand the scale.

The Gas Mark Scale

Gas marks run from the lowest Gas Mark 1/4 (around 110 to 120 degrees Celsius) through to Gas Mark 10 (around 240 degrees Celsius). The scale was standardised in the UK and is still referenced in many traditional British recipes, though modern oven controls display temperatures in Celsius or Fahrenheit. Each full gas mark represents an increase of approximately 14 degrees Celsius.

180 Degrees Celsius: Gas Mark 4

180 degrees Celsius corresponds to Gas Mark 4, which is a moderate oven temperature. It is used for a wide range of baking tasks including Victoria sponge cakes, biscuits, shortbread, some bread rolls, and roasting root vegetables. It is described as a moderate heat that cooks food through without excessive browning of the surface.

Common Gas Mark and Temperature Equivalents

For quick reference, Gas Mark 1 is 140 degrees Celsius (very slow oven). Gas Mark 2 is 150 degrees Celsius (slow oven). Gas Mark 3 is 170 degrees Celsius (moderate to low). Gas Mark 4 is 180 degrees Celsius (moderate). Gas Mark 5 is 190 degrees Celsius (moderate to hot). Gas Mark 6 is 200 degrees Celsius (hot). Gas Mark 7 is 220 degrees Celsius (very hot). Gas Mark 8 is 230 degrees Celsius (extremely hot). Gas Mark 9 is 240 degrees Celsius and Gas Mark 10 is 260 degrees Celsius.

Fan Oven Adjustments

Fan-assisted ovens circulate hot air and cook more evenly and quickly than conventional ovens. For a fan oven, reduce the temperature by approximately 20 degrees Celsius compared with the conventional oven temperature given in a recipe. At 180 degrees Celsius in a conventional oven, use approximately 160 degrees Celsius in a fan oven for the same result. Gas ovens typically do not have a fan in domestic settings and correspond directly to the gas mark temperature scale.

Summary

180 degrees Celsius is Gas Mark 4, a moderate oven temperature used for cakes, biscuits, and roasting. Each gas mark represents approximately 14 degrees Celsius. Fan ovens cook faster and should be set 20 degrees lower than the conventional temperature specified in a recipe. An oven thermometer provides the most accurate reading of actual oven temperature.