20 kelvin is equal to -423.67 degrees Fahrenheit.
To convert kelvin to fahrenheit, you subtract 273.15 from the kelvin value to get celsius, then convert celsius to fahrenheit by multiplying by 9/5 and adding 32. Applying this to 20 kelvin produces the result shown.
Conversion Tool
Result in fahrenheit:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kelvin (K) to fahrenheit (°F) involves two steps. First, kelvin is converted to celsius by subtracting 273.15, since kelvin scale starts at absolute zero while celsius scale is based on water freezing point.
Then, celsius is converted to fahrenheit by multiplying the celsius value by 9/5 and adding 32, which adjusts for the difference in the size of the degrees and their zero points in these scales.
The full formula:
F = (K – 273.15) × 9/5 + 32
Example for 20 kelvin:
- Step 1: 20 – 273.15 = -253.15 (celsius)
- Step 2: -253.15 × 9/5 = -455.67
- Step 3: -455.67 + 32 = -423.67 (fahrenheit)
Conversion Example
- Convert 100 kelvin to fahrenheit:
- Subtract 273.15: 100 – 273.15 = -173.15°C
- Multiply by 9/5: -173.15 × 9/5 = -311.67
- Add 32: -311.67 + 32 = -279.67°F
- Convert 0 kelvin to fahrenheit:
- 0 – 273.15 = -273.15°C
- -273.15 × 9/5 = -459.67
- -459.67 + 32 = -427.67°F
- Convert 300 kelvin to fahrenheit:
- 300 – 273.15 = 26.85°C
- 26.85 × 9/5 = 48.33
- 48.33 + 32 = 80.33°F
- Convert 50 kelvin to fahrenheit:
- 50 – 273.15 = -223.15°C
- -223.15 × 9/5 = -401.67
- -401.67 + 32 = -369.67°F
Conversion Chart
This table shows conversion from kelvin values between -5.0 and 45.0 to fahrenheit. You can find the fahrenheit equivalent for any kelvin temperature in this range by looking across the matching row.
| Kelvin (K) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
|---|---|
| -5.0 | -471.67 |
| 0.0 | -457.87 |
| 5.0 | -444.07 |
| 10.0 | -430.27 |
| 15.0 | -416.47 |
| 20.0 | -402.67 |
| 25.0 | -388.87 |
| 30.0 | -375.07 |
| 35.0 | -361.27 |
| 40.0 | -347.47 |
| 45.0 | -333.67 |
Related Conversion Questions
- What is 20 kelvin in fahrenheit degrees?
- How cold is 20 kelvin when converted to fahrenheit?
- Can you convert 20 K to °F easily?
- What formula do I use to change 20 kelvin into fahrenheit?
- Is 20 kelvin below freezing in fahrenheit scale?
- How do I calculate fahrenheit from kelvin with example 20?
- Does 20 kelvin correspond to negative or positive fahrenheit?
Conversion Definitions
Kelvin: Kelvin is the base unit of temperature in the International System of Units (SI). It measures absolute temperature starting from absolute zero, where all molecular motion stops. Unlike celsius or fahrenheit, kelvin does not use degree symbol, and its scale is an absolute scale.
Fahrenheit: Fahrenheit is a temperature scale, mostly used in the United States and some Caribbean countries. It sets the freezing point of water at 32°F and boiling at 212°F. The scale was created to provide a more precise measure for everyday weather and temperature.
Conversion FAQs
Why is 0 kelvin equal to -459.67 fahrenheit?
Zero kelvin represents absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature where particles have minimal energy. When this is converted to fahrenheit, the result is -459.67°F. This extremely low value confirms the kelvin scale starts much lower than fahrenheit, since fahrenheit uses water freezing point as zero reference.
Can kelvin values be negative?
No, kelvin is an absolute temperature scale and cannot have negative values. It starts at absolute zero (0 K), which is the theoretical lowest temperature. Negative values would imply less than absolute zero, which is physically impossible according to current physics.
Is the kelvin to fahrenheit conversion linear?
Yes, the conversion from kelvin to fahrenheit is linear because it involves simple multiplication and addition of constants. Both scales measure temperature intervals consistently, but kelvin starts at absolute zero, whereas fahrenheit zero is set by water freezing point, causing the offset in conversion.
Why subtract 273.15 in the conversion formula?
Subtracting 273.15 converts kelvin to celsius because kelvin zero equals -273.15°C. This step aligns kelvin values with the celsius scale, which then can be converted to fahrenheit by applying the 9/5 multiplication and 32 addition.
What are practical uses for converting kelvin to fahrenheit?
Converting kelvin to fahrenheit is useful in scientific contexts when temperature data from physics or chemistry experiments (often in kelvin) needs to be understood in everyday terms (fahrenheit). Weather data or engineering measurements sometimes require such conversions for better comprehension.