Fahrenheit to Kelvin Converter

Use our online tool to quickly and accurately convert Fahrenheit (°F) to Kelvin (K). Whether you're a scientist, student, or just curious about temperature conversions, this tool makes it easy to switch between these two important temperature scales.

Understanding Fahrenheit and Kelvin

Fahrenheit (°F) and Kelvin (K) are both temperature scales, but they serve different purposes. Fahrenheit is commonly used in the United States for weather forecasts and daily temperature readings, while Kelvin is the standard unit of measurement in scientific research and thermodynamics.

What is the Fahrenheit Scale?

The Fahrenheit scale was developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit in 1724. It sets the freezing point of water at 32°F and the boiling point at 212°F under standard atmospheric pressure. Fahrenheit is widely used in the United States and a few other regions for weather and indoor temperature measurements.

What is the Kelvin Scale?

The Kelvin scale is the absolute temperature scale used in scientific calculations. It starts from absolute zero (0 K), the theoretical point where all molecular motion stops. Unlike Celsius and Fahrenheit, Kelvin does not use degrees and is always written as K.

Why Convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin?

Converting Fahrenheit to Kelvin is useful in many areas, including:

• Scientific Research: Physics, chemistry, and engineering often require temperature measurements in Kelvin.
• Thermodynamics: Many heat transfer and energy calculations use the Kelvin scale.
• Astronomy: The temperatures of celestial bodies and interstellar space are measured in Kelvin.

The Formula to Convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin

The formula for converting Fahrenheit (°F) to Kelvin (K) is:

Kelvin = (Fahrenheit - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15

How to Use the Formula

• Step 1: Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature.
• Step 2: Multiply the result by 5/9.
• Step 3: Add 273.15 to get the Kelvin temperature.

Example Conversions

• 32°F = 273.15 K
• 68°F = 293.15 K
• 98.6°F = 310.15 K (Normal body temperature)
• 212°F = 373.15 K (Boiling point of water)

Practical Applications of Fahrenheit to Kelvin Conversion

• Weather Science: Scientists studying global temperatures use Kelvin.
• Engineering: Designing engines, refrigerators, and heat exchangers requires Kelvin measurements.
• Space Exploration: NASA and other agencies measure space temperatures in Kelvin.

Common Questions about Fahrenheit and Kelvin

1. Why does Kelvin start at zero?

Kelvin starts at absolute zero (0 K), the point where all atomic motion ceases. This makes it a fundamental unit for thermodynamic calculations.

2. Can Kelvin temperatures be negative?

No, Kelvin temperatures cannot be negative because absolute zero is the lowest possible temperature.

3. Why isn't Kelvin used in everyday life?

Kelvin is mainly used in scientific applications because it provides an absolute measurement of temperature, while Fahrenheit and Celsius are more practical for daily use.

Understanding how to convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin is essential for scientific and engineering applications. Use our online converter to get fast and accurate results for your temperature conversion needs.