PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

The Kelvin scale is a thermodynamic temperature scale where zero defines the point at which molecules give off no heat and all thermal motion ceases. In order to convert Kelvin measurements into Fahrenheit or Celsius, a simple plug-and-chug is all that's called for.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Convert Kelvin to Fahrenheit

PDF download Download Article
  1. The formula is: ºF = 1.8 x (K - 273) + 32. [1]
  2. The Kelvin temperature in this example is 373 K. Remember that you should not use degrees when measuring the temperature in Kelvin. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. [3] Just subtract 273 from 373. 373 - 273 = 100.
  4. [4] Now, multiply the answer, 100, by 1.8. 100 * 1.8 = 180.
  5. Just add 32 to 180 to get your final answer. [5] 180 + 32 = 212. Therefore, 373 K = 212ºF.
  6. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Convert Kelvin to Celsius

PDF download Download Article
  1. The formula is: ºC = K - 273. [6]
  2. In this case, let's use 273 Kelvin.
  3. [7] Just subtract 273 from 273. 273 - 273 = 0. Therefore, 273K = 0 ºC.
  4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I convert F to C?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Subtract 32 from F, then multiply by 5/9.
  • Question
    How do you convert fahrenheit to kelvin?
    Community Answer
    Convert from Fahrenheit to Celsius, then convert from Celsius to Kelvin.°F ->°C; [°C] = ([°F] - 32) × 5/9; °C ->K; K = [°C]+273.
  • Question
    If a graph is plotted taking the temperature in Fahrenheit along the Y- axis, and the corresponding temperature in Celsius along the X- axis, then is the graph a straight line?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Yes.
See more answers
Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • For very precise conversions use 273.15 instead of 273.
      • Scientists generally omit the word "degree" when using Kelvin. Say '373 Kelvin' instead of '373 degrees Kelvin'.
      • Any temperature difference will come out the same for Kelvin and Celsius. For instance the temperature difference between boiling water and melting ice can be calculated as follows:
        • 100 ºC - 0 ºC = 100 ºC or
        • 373.15 K - 273.15 K = 100 K
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To convert Kelvin to Fahrenheit, first subtract 273 from the Kelvin temperature. Next, multiply that result by 1.8. Finally, add 32 to get the Fahrenheit temperature. If you’re converting Kelvin to Celsius, just subtract 273 from the Kelvin temperature. To see how to work through examples of converting Kelvin to Fahrenheit or Celsius, scroll down!

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 487,326 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Steven Castillo

        Sep 26, 2017

        "I love the easy way you use to teach chemistry. You use formulas that really help!"
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement