The Fahrenheit scale is a thermodynamic temperature scale. However, some formulas and sources use the Kelvin scale, based on degrees Centigrade. Learn how to use a formula to convert measurements from Fahrenheit to Kelvin.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: First Part: Prepare the Formula
Step 1. Find the Fahrenheit temperature you want to convert to Kelvin degrees
Step 2. Get a piece of paper and a pencil so that you can follow the formula on paper as well
Step 3. Use a calculator to get more accuracy of the math figures
Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Subtract and Divide
Step 1. Take your measurement in Fahrenheit
Subtract 32 from that number.
- 32 is the freezing point of water on the Fahrenheit scale.
- For example, if your original temperature was 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you would have to subtract 32 from 90 to get 58.
Step 2. Divide the resulting number by 1, 8
- For example, in our problem we will have to divide 58 by 1, 8. The number we will get is 32, 22.
- Some formulas may provide for a multiplication by the fraction 5/9.
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Perform the Kelvin Conversion
Step 1. Add 273 to the number obtained in the previous step
- In our example, we add 32.22 to 273 to get a Kelvin measurement of 305.22.
- On the Kelvin scale, the freezing point is 273 degrees.
Advice
- If you need to do frequent conversions from Fahrenheit to Kelvin, consider memorizing the formula to use it in the most common measurements (such as boiling, freezing, and thawing points). The boiling point of water in degrees Fahrenheit is 212 degrees, while in Kelvin it is 373 degrees. The freezing point of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 273 degrees Kelvin.
- You can solve the conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius with a similar equation. Follow the same steps as in the formula shown in the article, but don't add 273 degrees to the end. The number obtained by subtracting 32 and dividing by 1, 8 is the temperature in degrees Celsius.
