Temperature setting (°C and °F)
The temperature setting: the meter reads a temperature probe plugged into it, in degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F).
How to read it
Fluke’s dial guide marks temperature with a degree sign, °, read through the same red jack as voltage, and prints it in yellow on many models as a secondary function. Klein Tools lists °F/°C as temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius; its MM400 reads from −18 to 538 °C (0 to 1000 °F), and its SEL button switches between °F and °C. Extech’s EX330 needs a type K thermocouple and reads from −20 to 750 °C (−4 to 1382 °F) before the probe’s own error; the probe supplied with it covers −20 to 250 °C (−4 to 482 °F).
Also searched as: °C on a multimeter, degree symbol on a multimeter, °F on a multimeter, TEMP, thermocouple setting.
These pages describe what each setting, marking and reading means. They are not instructions for measuring anything. Meters differ between makers and models: the meter’s own manual says what each of its symbols means, which measurements it is rated for, and how to use it safely.
Look-alikes
A ° sign beside a number on the display is a temperature reading. On many meters temperature is a secondary function, printed in a second colour beside another setting: yellow on Fluke’s meters, orange on Klein’s.
Read next
- Next in Multimeter symbolshFE (transistor gain)hFE is a transistor’s DC current gain, the ratio of its collector current to its base current. On a multimeter it marks the transistor test position and its small socket.
- In Physics and chemistry symbolsKelvin (K)K is the kelvin, the SI unit of temperature. It is written without a degree sign: 300 K, not 300 °K. A step of 1 K is the same size as a step of 1 °C; water freezes at 273.15 K.
More multimeter symbols
The same shape elsewhere
Browse symbols drawn with letters and numbers.
Sources
- Multimeter Symbols, Buttons, Dials, and Display, Fluke learning centre article, Fluke Corporation, Digital multimeter dial; buttons; jacks
- MM400 Auto-Ranging Digital Multimeter: Instruction Manual, MM400 instruction manual, Klein Tools (copy hosted by UBC Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences), Symbols on meter; Electrical specifications; Function buttons
- Mini Multimeter with Non-Contact Voltage Detector, Model EX330: User’s Guide, EX330-EU-ENG V4.2 1/08, Extech Instruments (copy hosted by Core Electronics), Specifications; General specifications; Temperature measurement
Researched, edited and approved by Rory Hansen before publishing. Last reviewed October 9, 2026. How we research
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