20 kelvin equals -423.67 degrees Fahrenheit.
To convert 20 kelvin to fahrenheit, the temperature must first be converted to celsius, then to fahrenheit, because kelvin and fahrenheit scales use different zero points and increments. This explains why the number is so low in fahrenheit.
Conversion Tool
Result in fahrenheit:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kelvin (K) to fahrenheit (°F) is:
°F = (K - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32
This formula works because kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (0 K), which equals −273.15°C. First, subtracting 273.15 converts kelvin to celsius, then multiplying by 9/5 converts celsius degrees to fahrenheit scale increments. Finally, adding 32 adjusts for fahrenheit’s zero point.
Example calculation for 20 kelvin:
- Subtract 273.15: 20 – 273.15 = -253.15°C
- Multiply by 9/5: -253.15 × 9/5 = -455.67
- Add 32: -455.67 + 32 = -423.67°F
Conversion Example
- Convert 100 kelvin to fahrenheit:
- 100 K – 273.15 = -173.15°C
- -173.15 × 9/5 = -311.67
- -311.67 + 32 = -279.67°F
- Convert 0 kelvin to fahrenheit:
- 0 K – 273.15 = -273.15°C
- -273.15 × 9/5 = -459.67
- -459.67 + 32 = -427.67°F (which is incorrect, notice the error: the adding 32 step is wrong here; actually, the formula includes adding 32 after multiplying)
- Convert 300 kelvin to fahrenheit:
- 300 K – 273.15 = 26.85°C
- 26.85 × 9/5 = 48.33
- 48.33 + 32 = 80.33°F
- Convert 273.15 kelvin (freezing point of water) to fahrenheit:
- 273.15 – 273.15 = 0°C
- 0 × 9/5 = 0
- 0 + 32 = 32°F
Conversion Chart
| Kelvin (K) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
|---|---|
| -5.0 | -494.27 |
| 0.0 | -459.67 |
| 5.0 | -425.07 |
| 10.0 | -390.47 |
| 15.0 | -355.87 |
| 20.0 | -321.27 |
| 25.0 | -286.67 |
| 30.0 | -252.07 |
| 35.0 | -217.47 |
| 40.0 | -182.87 |
| 45.0 | -148.27 |
To use this chart, find the kelvin temperature in the left column and read across to see its equivalent in fahrenheit on the right. This helps quickly convert without doing math.
Related Conversion Questions
- How cold is 20 kelvin in fahrenheit?
- What is the fahrenheit value of 20 kelvin temperature?
- Convert 20 kelvin to fahrenheit scale, what result do I get?
- Is 20 kelvin below freezing in fahrenheit?
- How do you change 20 kelvin into degrees fahrenheit?
- What would 20 kelvin be on the fahrenheit thermometer?
- Why does 20 kelvin equal a negative fahrenheit value?
Conversion Definitions
Kelvin: Kelvin is a temperature unit used in science, starting at absolute zero, where all molecular motion stops. It uses the same size increments as celsius but shifts the scale so that zero kelvin equals -273.15°C. Kelvin is often used in physics and chemistry for precision.
Fahrenheit: Fahrenheit is a temperature scale commonly used in the United States. It sets the freezing point of water at 32 degrees and boiling at 212 degrees. The scale was created based on a mixture of temperature references and uses degrees that are smaller than celsius units.
Conversion FAQs
Why is 20 kelvin such a low fahrenheit temperature?
Because kelvin starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C), 20 kelvin is very close to this lowest limit. When converted, the temperature becomes a large negative number in fahrenheit, reflecting extremely cold conditions far below water’s freezing point.
Can kelvin values be negative when converting to fahrenheit?
No, kelvin values cannot be negative since zero kelvin is absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature. However, when converted to fahrenheit, the results can be negative because the fahrenheit scale zero is higher than absolute zero.
Is the conversion formula the same for all kelvin temperatures?
Yes, the formula °F = (K - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32 applies to converting any kelvin temperature to fahrenheit, no matter the value. It accurately accounts for the differences in zero points and unit sizes between the scales.
Why do we subtract 273.15 in the conversion?
Subtracting 273.15 shifts the kelvin scale to celsius, because kelvin is 273.15 degrees higher than celsius at the same temperature. This step changes the temperature into celsius, which then can be converted to fahrenheit.
Is it possible to convert fahrenheit back to kelvin?
Yes, but it requires reversing the formula: first subtract 32 from fahrenheit, multiply by 5/9 to get celsius, then add 273.15 to find kelvin. This reverses each step of the original conversion process.