212 degrees Fahrenheit equals 373.15 kelvin.
The conversion from Fahrenheit to kelvin involves first converting Fahrenheit to Celsius, then adding 273.15 to reach kelvin. Since 212°F is the boiling point of water, its kelvin equivalent reflects that temperature in an absolute scale.
Conversion Tool
Result in kelvin:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Fahrenheit (°F) to kelvin (K) is:
K = (°F – 32) × 5/9 + 273.15
This formula works because Fahrenheit first must be converted to Celsius by subtracting 32 and multiplying by 5/9. Celsius temperature is then shifted to kelvin by adding 273.15, which represents absolute zero on the Celsius scale.
Example calculation for 212°F:
- Subtract 32: 212 – 32 = 180
- Multiply by 5/9: 180 × 5/9 = 100
- Add 273.15: 100 + 273.15 = 373.15 K
Conversion Example
Convert 98.6°F to kelvin:
- Subtract 32: 98.6 – 32 = 66.6
- Multiply by 5/9: 66.6 × 5/9 ≈ 37
- Add 273.15: 37 + 273.15 = 310.15 K
Convert 0°F to kelvin:
- Subtract 32: 0 – 32 = -32
- Multiply by 5/9: -32 × 5/9 ≈ -17.78
- Add 273.15: -17.78 + 273.15 ≈ 255.37 K
Convert 451°F to kelvin:
- Subtract 32: 451 – 32 = 419
- Multiply by 5/9: 419 × 5/9 ≈ 232.78
- Add 273.15: 232.78 + 273.15 ≈ 505.93 K
Conversion Chart
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|
| 187.0 | 365.37 |
| 192.0 | 368.15 |
| 197.0 | 370.92 |
| 202.0 | 373.70 |
| 207.0 | 376.48 |
| 212.0 | 379.26 |
| 217.0 | 382.04 |
| 222.0 | 384.81 |
| 227.0 | 387.59 |
| 232.0 | 390.37 |
| 237.0 | 393.15 |
This chart shows Fahrenheit values from 187 to 237, with their kelvin equivalents. You can find the kelvin temperature by looking across from a given Fahrenheit. Use it as quick reference without calculation.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is the kelvin temperature of boiling water at 212°F?
- How to convert 212 degrees Fahrenheit into kelvin accurately?
- Is 212°F equivalent to 373 kelvin or more?
- Can I convert 212°F directly into kelvin without Celsius?
- What kelvin value corresponds to 212 degrees Fahrenheit in lab measurements?
- Why does 212°F convert to 373.15 kelvin exactly?
- What formula to use for turning 212°F into kelvin scale?
Conversion Definitions
Fahrenheit: Fahrenheit is a temperature scale used primarily in the United States, where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees under standard atmospheric pressure. It divides the interval between freezing and boiling into 180 equal parts called degrees.
Kelvin: Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale used in scientific contexts, starting at absolute zero, the point where particles have minimum thermal motion. The kelvin scale does not use degrees and is related to Celsius by adding 273.15 to Celsius values.
Conversion FAQs
Why do we add 273.15 when converting Fahrenheit to kelvin?
Because kelvin is an absolute temperature scale starting at absolute zero, the Celsius temperature must be shifted upward by 273.15 degrees to match kelvin values. After converting Fahrenheit to Celsius, adding 273.15 aligns the temperature to kelvin.
Can you convert Fahrenheit to kelvin without going through Celsius?
The formula uses Celsius as an intermediate step, but it’s embedded within the conversion formula itself: K = (°F – 32) × 5/9 + 273.15. So technically, you do not need to convert to Celsius separately; the formula does it all at once.
Is the boiling point of water always 212°F at kelvin 373.15?
At standard atmospheric pressure, water boils at 212°F which equals 373.15 K. But changes in pressure can alter boiling points, so exact equivalence only holds under normal atmospheric conditions.
What happens if I input negative Fahrenheit values in the conversion tool?
Negative Fahrenheit temperatures still convert correctly to kelvin, but since kelvin cannot be negative, the result will be positive values representing temperatures above absolute zero.
Are kelvin and Celsius interchangeable for everyday temperature readings?
No, kelvin is mainly used in scientific measurements due to its absolute zero reference. Celsius is more practical for daily weather and human comfort readings. They differ by a constant offset of 273.15.