Gas Mark Explained — What Every Number Means

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What Is Gas Mark?

Gas Mark is a temperature scale used on gas ovens in the UK and Ireland, standardised in the early twentieth century as a numbered scale from ¼ to 9. It is not linear like Celsius: each full mark above Gas Mark 1 (140°C) adds roughly 14°C.

Try the Converter

Enter any temperature below to see its equivalent across all four scales, including the fan-oven adjustment.

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Gas Mark and Fan Ovens

Fan ovens run hotter than their dial suggests, so the standard adjustment is to reduce the conventional temperature by 20°C (or 25°F). Gas Mark 4 (180°C conventional) becomes 160°C fan; Gas Mark 6 (200°C conventional) becomes 180°C fan.

Practical Tips for Gas-Oven Baking

Gas ovens typically have a hot spot near the flame, so rotating trays halfway through baking helps even browning. An oven thermometer is worthwhile, since dial markings can drift 10–20°C from the true temperature over time.