Converting Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin

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Temperature can be written in various ways: Fahrenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin. Sometimes it is necessary to convert between two different temperatures. As long as we can remember which formula goes with which temperatures, we will do great!

 


 

1.) Converting Fahrenheit and Celsius

Lets start with 90°F. How many degrees Celsius is that? Well our formula is

°C = (°F - 32) × 5/9

 

By plugging in what we know, our formula becomes °C = (90 - 32) × 5/9. Solving we get °C = 32.2.

 

If we know the temperature in celsius, we can rearrange the formula and it will work the same way. The formula becomes

(9/5 × °C) + 32 = °F

 

We plug in what we know and solve.

 

 

2.) Converting Celsius and Kelvin

 

We can also convert Kelvin to Celsius by using the following formula:

°C = K - 273.15

 

If we have 300 degrees kelvin, that is equivalent to 26.85 °C.

 

Working backwards, we can solve the formula for K giving

°C + 273.15 = K

 

 

3.) Converting Fahrenheit and Kelvin

 

While I find it easier to start at Kelvin, convert to Celsius, then change to Fahrenheit, there is a formula that we can use as well.

 

°F = (K × 9/5) - 459.67

 

If we know °F, we can rearrange the formula to become

(°F + 459.67) × 5/9 = K