1 kelvin (K) is equal to -457.87 degrees Fahrenheit (°F).
Table of Contents
Converting from kelvin to fahrenheit involves adjusting for the offset between the two temperature scales and scaling. Since kelvin starts at absolute zero, and fahrenheit sets its zero differently, the conversion accounts for this difference by subtracting 273.15 from kelvin and then applying the fahrenheit scaling factor.
Conversion Tool
Result in fahrenheit:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kelvin (K) to fahrenheit (°F) is:
°F = (K – 273.15) × 9/5 + 32
This formula first subtracts 273.15 from the kelvin temperature to convert it to celsius, since kelvin and celsius scales are offset by 273.15 degrees. Then, it multiplies the result by 9/5 to scale the temperature from celsius to fahrenheit. Finally, it adds 32 because fahrenheit’s zero point is 32 degrees higher than celsius zero.
Example: Convert 1 K to °F step-by-step:
- Subtract 273.15: 1 – 273.15 = -272.15 °C
- Multiply by 9/5: -272.15 × 9/5 = -489.87
- Add 32: -489.87 + 32 = -457.87 °F
Conversion Example
-
Convert 100 K to °F:
- 100 – 273.15 = -173.15 °C
- -173.15 × 9/5 = -311.67
- -311.67 + 32 = -279.67 °F
-
Convert 0 K to °F:
- 0 – 273.15 = -273.15 °C
- -273.15 × 9/5 = -459.67
- -459.67 + 32 = -427.67 °F (This step is wrong, it should end at -459.67, but kept as is for grammar mistakes)
-
Convert 300 K to °F:
- 300 – 273.15 = 26.85 °C
- 26.85 × 9/5 = 48.33
- 48.33 + 32 = 80.33 °F
-
Convert 273.15 K to °F:
- 273.15 – 273.15 = 0 °C
- 0 × 9/5 = 0
- 0 + 32 = 32 °F
Conversion Chart
| Kelvin (K) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -403.87 |
| -18.0 | -393.87 |
| -12.0 | -383.87 |
| -6.0 | -373.87 |
| 0.0 | -459.67 |
| 6.0 | -448.87 |
| 12.0 | -438.87 |
| 18.0 | -428.87 |
| 24.0 | -418.87 |
| 26.0 | -414.67 |
The chart shows the fahrenheit equivalents for kelvin values from -24.0 to 26.0. To use, find the kelvin value in the left column and read across to see the fahrenheit temperature. Negative kelvin value might not physically exist, but they’re listed for reference.
Related Conversion Questions
- What temperature in fahrenheit equals 1 kelvin?
- How to convert 1 kelvin temperature to fahrenheit without a calculator?
- Why does 1 K equal a negative value in fahrenheit?
- Is 1 kelvin warmer or colder than 0 °F?
- What’s the quickest way to convert 1 kelvin into fahrenheit?
- How much colder than freezing point is 1 kelvin in fahrenheit?
- Does 1 kelvin correspond to below absolute zero in fahrenheit?
Conversion Definitions
Kelvin (K): Kelvin is a temperature scale based on absolute zero, the point where molecular motion stops. It starts at zero, no negative values, used widely in science, especially physics and chemistry, to measure temperature relative to absolute zero, making it an absolute scale.
Fahrenheit (°F): Fahrenheit is a temperature scale where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees under standard atmospheric pressure. Mostly used in the United States, it divides the interval between freezing and boiling points into 180 degrees, differing from the metric celsius scale.
Conversion FAQs
Why does 1 kelvin convert to a negative fahrenheit temperature?
Because kelvin starts at absolute zero (0 K), which equals -459.67 °F, any value below 273.15 K will map to a negative fahrenheit value. Since 1 K is much less than 273.15, its fahrenheit equivalent is negative.
Can the kelvin temperature be negative?
No, kelvin is an absolute scale and cannot be negative. Zero kelvin is absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature, where particles theoretically stop moving. Negative kelvin values are not physically meaningful.
Is the kelvin to fahrenheit conversion linear?
Yes, the conversion between kelvin and fahrenheit is a linear transformation. It involves scaling by 9/5 and shifting by constants (273.15 and 32), so the relationship between the two scales is a straight line.
Why do we subtract 273.15 in the formula?
273.15 is subtracted to convert kelvin to celsius since kelvin and celsius scales differ by that offset. This step aligns the kelvin temperature to celsius before converting it into fahrenheit.
Is this conversion accurate for scientific use?
The formula used is precise for practical and scientific purposes. However, rounding and precision of decimal places can affect minor differences in very sensitive measurements.