Here is an example problem that explains how to convert a temperature from degrees on

the Celsius scale to Kelvin. It's a useful conversion to know because many formulas use Kelvin
temperatures, but most thermometers report in Celsius.

The three common temperature scales are Celsius, Fahrenheit, and Kelvin. Each scale has its uses,
so it's likely you'll encounter them and need to convert between them. Fortunately, the conversion
formulas are simple:

Celsius to Fahrenheit F = 9/5 ( C) + 32

Kelvin to Fahrenheit F = 9/5 (K - 273) + 32
Fahrenheit to Celsius C = 5/9 ( F - 32)
Celsius to Kelvin K = C + 273
Kelvin to Celsius C = K - 273
Fahrenheit to Kelvin K = 5/9 ( F - 32) + 273

CELSIUS TO KELVIN FORMULA

To convert between the temperature scales, you need to know the formula. Celsius and Kelvin are
based on the same size degree, just with different "zero" points, so this equation is simple:

The formula to convert Celsius to Kelvin is:

K = C + 273

or, if you want more significant figures:

K = C + 273.15

CELSIUS TO KELVIN PROBLEM #1

Convert 27 C to Kelvin.

Solution

K = C + 273
K = 27 + 273
K = 300
300 K

Note that the answer is 300 K. Kelvin is not expressed in degrees. Why is this? A scale
measured in degrees indicates it references another scale (i.e., Celsius has degrees because it's
actually based on the Kelvin scale). Kelvin is an absolute scale, with an endpoint that can't move
(absolute zero). Degrees don't apply to this type of scale.

CELSIUS TO KELVIN PROBLEM #2

Convert 77 C to Kelvin.

SOLUTION
K = C + 273
K = 77 + 273
K = 350
350 K

ORMULA TO CONVERT CELSIUS TO FAHRENHEIT

F = 1.8 C + 32

where F is the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit and C is the temperature in degrees Celsius

The formula may also be written as:

F = 9/5 C + 32

It is easy to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit with these two steps.

1. Multiply your Celsius temperature by 1.8.

2. Add 32 to this number.

Your answer will be the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.

Note: If you're doing temperature conversions for a homework problem, take care to report the
converted value using the same number of significant digits as the original number.

CELSIUS TO FAHRENHEIT EXAMPLE

Body temperature is 37C. Convert this to Fahrenheit.

To do this, plug in the temperature into the equation:

F = 1.8 C + 32
F = (1.8)(37) + 32
F = 66.6 + 32
F = 98.6

The original value, 37C, has 2 significant digits, so the Fahrenheit temperature could be reported
as 99.

FAHRENHEIT TO CELSIUS CONVERSION FORMULA

C = 5/9 (F-32)

where C is the temperature in Celsius and F is the temperature in Fahrenheit

HOW TO CONVERT TEMPERATURES

It is easy to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius with these three steps.

1. Subtract 32 from the Fahrenheit temperature.

2. Multiply this number by 5.
 3. Divide this number by 9.

The answer will be the temperature in degrees Celsius.

FAHRENHEIT TO CELSIUS TEMPERATURE CONVERSION

For example, let's say you want to convert normal human body temperature (98.6F) to Celsius.
Plug the Fahrenheit temperature into the formula:

C = 5/9 (F - 32)
C = 5/9 (98.6 - 32)
C = 5/9 (66.6)
C = 37C

Check your answer to make sure it makes sense. A Celsius value is always lower than the
corresponding Fahrenheit value. Also, it's helpful to keep in mind the Celsius scale is based on the
freezing point and boiling point of water, where 0C is the freezing point and 100C is the boiling
point. On the Fahrenheit scale, water freezes at 32F and boils at 212F. The Fahrenheit and
Celsius scales read the same temperature at -40.