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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

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  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]
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  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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Convert Kelvin to Celsius

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  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.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How do I convert F to C?
    Donagan
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Subtract 32 from F, then multiply by 5/9.
  • Question
    How do you convert fahrenheit to kelvin?
    Community Answer
    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
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Yes.
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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
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About This Article

Anne Schmidt
Reviewed by:
Chemistry Instructor
This article was reviewed by Anne Schmidt. Anne Schmidt is a Chemistry Instructor in Wisconsin. Anne has been teaching high school chemistry for over 20 years and is passionate about providing accessible and educational chemistry content. She has over 9,000 subscribers to her educational chemistry YouTube channel. She has presented at the American Association of Chemistry Teachers (AATC) and was an Adjunct General Chemistry Instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College. Anne was published in the Journal of Chemical Education as a Co-Author, has an article in ChemEdX, and has presented twice and was published with the AACT. Anne has a BS in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, and an MA in Secondary Education and Teaching from Viterbo University. This article has been viewed 490,759 times.
37 votes - 79%
Co-authors: 40
Updated: March 10, 2025
Views: 490,759
Article SummaryX

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!

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