Temperature Conversion Formula

Temperature Conversion Formula

There are mainly three measures of temperature: Fahrenheit, Kelvin and Celsius. Many times, the conversion between any two becomes a requirement. Hence, it is important to recite the vital temperature conversion formulas.

What is Temperature?

Temperature is measured on different scales, including Fahrenheit, Kelvin and Celsius scales. The units of Celsius and Fahrenheit are degrees while Kelvin is a unitless measure. The symbol for the degree is °. 

Conversion Formula of Temperature

• To convert degree Fahrenheit (°F) to degree Celsius (°C) and vice versa, we are required to use the following formulas:-

T_C = (5/9) * (T_F-32)

T_F = (9/5) * (T_C+32)

Where: T_C = Temperature in Celsius

 T_F = Temperature in Fahrenheit

• To convert degree Kelvin (K) to degree Celsius (°C) and vice versa, we are required to use the following formulas:-

  T_C = T_K-273.16

  T_K = T_C+273.16

Where: T_C = Temperature in Celsius

  T_K = Temperature in Kelvin

• To convert degree Fahrenheit (°F) to degree Kelvin and vice versa, we are required to use the following formulas:-

T_K = [(5/9) *(T_F-32)] + 273.16

T_F = [(9/5) *(T_K-273.16)] + 32

Where: T_K = Temperature in Kelvin

 T_F = Temperature in Fahrenheit

Solved Examples

1. Convert normal body temperature 98.6°F to °C and Kelvin.

T_C = (5/9) *(T_F-32)

T_C = (5/9) *(98.6-32)

T_C = (5/9) *(66.6)

T_C = 37

T_K = [(5/9)*(T_F-32)] + 273.16

T_K = 37+273.16

T_K = 310.16

Thus, the normal body temperature of 98.6°F is equal to 37°C and 310.16 K.

2. Convert the freezing point of water i.e. 273 K into °F and °C.

T_F = [(9/5) *(T_K-273.16)] + 32

T_F = [(9/5) *(273-273.16)] + 32

T_F =[((9/5) *-0.16) + 32)

T_F = -0.288+32

T_F = 31.712 =32 (rounded off)

  T_C = T_K-273.16

 T_C = 273-273.16

T_C =-0.16 = 0 (rounded off)

Thus, the freezing point of water i.e. 273 K is equal to 32°F and 0°C.