Fahrenheit to Kelvin formula
K = (°F − 32) × 5/9 + 273.15
Example: (98.6°F − 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 = 37 + 273.15 = 310.15 K
How to convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin
You can convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin by first converting Fahrenheit to Celsius, then adding 273.15 to the Celsius value.
- Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature.
- Multiply by 5/9 to convert the result to Celsius.
- Add 273.15 to convert Celsius to Kelvin.
In one formula: K = (°F − 32) × 5/9 + 273.15.
About the Fahrenheit scale
The Fahrenheit scale was developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in the early 18th century. On the modern Fahrenheit scale, water freezes at 32°F and boils at 212°F at standard atmospheric pressure. Fahrenheit is used mainly for everyday temperatures in the United States, while Celsius is more widely used internationally.
About the Kelvin scale
Kelvin is the SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature. Its zero point, 0 K, is absolute zero, the lowest possible thermodynamic temperature. Kelvin has the same size interval as Celsius: a change of 1 K is equal to a change of 1°C. Unlike Celsius and Fahrenheit, Kelvin starts at absolute zero rather than using an arbitrary zero point.
Fahrenheit to Kelvin conversion table
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Kelvin (K) | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| −459.67°F | 0 K | Absolute zero |
| 32°F | 273.15 K | Water freezing point |
| 68°F | 293.15 K | Common room-temperature reference |
| 98.6°F | 310.15 K | Traditional body-temperature reference |
| 212°F | 373.15 K | Water boiling point |
Frequently asked questions
What is absolute zero in Fahrenheit?
Absolute zero is 0 K, which is exactly −459.67°F. It is the lowest possible thermodynamic temperature. Fahrenheit temperatures below −459.67°F correspond to Kelvin values below 0 K and therefore are not ordinary physical temperatures.
Is there a simpler way to think about Kelvin?
Kelvin and Celsius use the same size temperature interval: a change of 1 K is the same size as a change of 1°C. The difference is their zero points. Celsius uses 0°C as the freezing point of water, while Kelvin starts at absolute zero. Kelvin is written simply as K, not °K.
Why does science use Kelvin instead of Celsius or Fahrenheit?
Kelvin is useful in physics and chemistry because it is an absolute temperature scale whose zero point is absolute zero. This makes Kelvin particularly convenient in equations involving thermodynamics, gas laws, and thermal radiation, where temperature ratios and absolute temperature values are important.
What is 32°F in Kelvin?
32°F equals 273.15 K.
What is 100°F in Kelvin?
100°F equals 310.928 K.
What is 212°F in Kelvin?
212°F equals 373.15 K.