T
The Daily Insight

Do you add a degree with a digital thermometer

Author

Henry Morales

Published Feb 28, 2026

Do you add 1 degree to a digital thermometer?

Should I add a degree to oral (under the tongue) and axillary (under the arm) readings? Yes, for the most accuracy. Rectal temperatures are considered most accurate indication of the body’s temperature. Oral and axillary temperature readings are about ½° to 1°F (.

Do you add a degree to digital forehead thermometer?

An armpit (axillary) temperature is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature. A forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature.

How accurate is digital thermometer?

Digital thermometers provide accurate readings in about 1 minute or less.

Do you add a degree to a digital thermometer under the arm?

A: A digital thermometer can take an oral, rectal or axillary temperature. Axillary, or armpit temperature is the least accurate of the three. An armpit temperature is generally 1 degree lower than an oral temperature.

Is 99.1 considered a fever?

A factor that needs to be considered is how you took your temperature. If you measured your temperature under your armpit, then 99°F or higher indicates a fever. Temperature measured rectally or in the ear is a fever at 100.4°F (38°C) or greater. An oral temperature of 100°F (37.8° C) or more is a fever.

Why does my digital thermometer give me different readings?

Differences between measurements can also result from the following factors: … Put the device on the table in the room where the measurement is taking place and let it cool down first. Your room temperature is too low or too high. Use your thermometer at temperatures between 10.0 °C/ 50.0 °F and 40.0 °C/ 104.0 °F.

Is taking your temp under your arm accurate?

Underarm (axillary) and forehead temperatures are considered to be the least accurate because they’re taken outside of the body rather than inside. These temperatures can be as much as a full degree lower than oral body temperature.

What is a normal temperature on a digital thermometer?

98.6 degrees F Body temperature is accurately measured with a thermometer. Digital thermometers are safer than glass thermometers because these do not contain mercury. Normal body temperature range is 98.6 degrees F to 100 degrees F.

Is 98.8 under the arm a fever?

A low-grade fever for adults and children is when your body temperature is elevated slightly above normal. This is generally between 98.8°F (37.1°C) and 100.3°F (38°C). People with high-grade fevers should seek medical advice. For adults, this is an oral temperature of 103°F (39.4°C).

How do I check my temperature with a digital thermometer?

To use a digital thermometer:
  1. Clean the tip with cold water and soap, then rinse it.
  2. Turn the thermometer on.
  3. Put the tip under your tongue, towards the back of your mouth.
  4. Close your lips around the thermometer.
  5. Wait until it beeps or flashes.
  6. Check the temperature on the display.

Which is more accurate forehead or armpit temperature?

Forehead temps are the next most accurate. Oral and ear temps are also accurate if done properly. Temps done in the armpit are the least accurate. Armpit temps are useful for screening at any age.

Is 36.9 a fever?

A normal adult body temperature, when taken orally, can range from 97.6–99.6°F, though different sources may give slightly different figures. In adults, the following temperatures suggest that someone has a fever: at least 100.4°F (38°C) is a fever. above 103.1°F (39.5°C) is a high fever.

What should your temperature be between?

The average normal body temperature is generally accepted as 98.6°F (37°C). Some studies have shown that the “normal” body temperature can have a wide range, from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). A temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) most often means you have a fever caused by an infection or illness.

Is 37.5 a fever?

A high temperature is usually considered to be 38C or above. This is sometimes called a fever. Many things can cause a high temperature, but it’s usually caused by your body fighting an infection.

Is a temperature of 37.7 normal?

Your normal body temperature is approximately 37C. A fever is usually when your body temperature is 37.8C or higher. You may feel warm, cold or shivery. You can find out if you have a fever by using a thermometer to take your temperature.

Is a temperature of 37.4 normal?

Fevers usually don’t need treatment. The average body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). But normal body temperature can range between 97 F (36.1 C) and 99 F (37.2 C) or more.

What’s considered a low grade fever?

The medical community generally defines a fever as a body temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. A body temp between 100.4 and 102.2 degree is usually considered a low-grade fever.

What should my temperature be Covid?

Symptoms of coronavirus

The most common symptoms are new: continuous cough. fever/high temperature (37.8C or greater) loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste (anosmia)