The Kelvin scale is a thermodynamic temperature scale where zero indicates the point at which molecules do not radiate heat and all heat movement ceases. If you want to convert Kelvin to degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius, you can do so in just a few simple steps. Here's how.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Converting Kelvins To Degrees Fahrenheit
Step 1. Write the formula for converting Kelvin to degrees Fahrenheit
The formula is °F = 1.8 x (K - 273) + 32.
Step 2. Write down the temperature in Kelvin scale
The Kelvin temperature example in this article is 373K. Keep in mind that you should "not" use the word degrees when measuring temperature in Kelvin.
Step 3. Subtract 273 from the Kelvin temperature
In this example, that means you have to subtract 273 from 373. 373 - 273 = 100.
Step 4. Multiply the result by 9/5 or 1, 8
You have to multiply 100 by 1. 8. 100 x 1.8 = 180.
Step 5. Add 32 to your final answer
Add 32 to 180 to get the final answer. 180 + 32 = 212. Therefore, 373 K = 212 °F.
Method 2 of 2: Converting Kelvins To Degrees Celsius
Step 1. Write the formula to convert Kelvin to degrees Celsius
The formula is °C = K - 273.
Step 2. Write down the Kelvin temperature
In this example, let's use 273K.
Step 3. Subtract 273 from the Kelvin temperature
In this example, that means you have to subtract 273 from 273. 273 - 273 = 0. Therefore, 273K = 0 °C.
Tips
- For a more precise conversion, use 273, 15 instead of 273.
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Any temperature "difference" will result in the same number for Kelvin and degrees Celsius. For example, the temperature difference between boiling water and melted ice can be calculated as follows:
- 100 °C - 0 °C = 100 °C or
- 373, 15 K - 273, 15 K = 100 K
- Scientists generally omit the word “degree” when using Kelvin. Call it "373 Kelvin" instead of "373 degrees Kelvin".
- To convert degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius, if you don't need an exact number, simply take the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit, subtract 32 from it, then divide by 2. For example: (100 °F-32)/2 = 68/2 = 34 °C.
