Samantha Nicole5 kelvin is equal to -450.67 degrees Fahrenheit. This means that 5 K is extremely cold, much colder than the lowest temperatures you’d encounter on Earth’s surface.
Kelvin and Fahrenheit are two temperature scales, with kelvin used in science for absolute temperatures, and Fahrenheit used in the United States for weather and cooking. Converting between them requires a formula because their zero points and degree sizes are different. Below, you’ll find a detailed explanation, a calculator, worked examples, a conversion chart, and more helpful details.
Conversion Tool
Result in f:
Conversion Formula
To convert kelvin (K) to Fahrenheit (°F), use this formula:
°F = (K – 273.15) × 9/5 + 32
This works because kelvin starts at absolute zero (0 K), where all molecular motion stops. Fahrenheit has a different zero. You first convert kelvin to Celsius by subtracting 273.15, then convert Celsius to Fahrenheit by multiplying by 9/5 and adding 32.
Here’s the step-by-step calculation for 5 K:
- Subtract 273.15 from 5: 5 – 273.15 = -268.15
- Multiply by 9/5: -268.15 × 9/5 = -482.67
- Add 32: -482.67 + 32 = -450.67
So, 5 K = -450.67 °F.
Conversion Example
- 12 kelvin to Fahrenheit:
- 12 – 273.15 = -261.15
- -261.15 × 9/5 = -470.07
- -470.07 + 32 = -438.07
- Result: 12 kelvin = -438.07 °F
- 25 kelvin to Fahrenheit:
- 25 – 273.15 = -248.15
- -248.15 × 9/5 = -446.67
- -446.67 + 32 = -414.67
- Result: 25 kelvin = -414.67 °F
- 0 kelvin to Fahrenheit:
- 0 – 273.15 = -273.15
- -273.15 × 9/5 = -491.67
- -491.67 + 32 = -459.67
- Result: 0 kelvin = -459.67 °F
- 20 kelvin to Fahrenheit:
- 20 – 273.15 = -253.15
- -253.15 × 9/5 = -455.67
- -455.67 + 32 = -423.67
- Result: 20 kelvin = -423.67 °F
Conversion Chart
This table shows kelvin values from -20.0 to 30.0, converted to Fahrenheit. Read down the first column for kelvin, and across to see the matching Fahrenheit value. Use this chart if you want to quickly find approximate conversions for low temperature values.
| Kelvin (K) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
|---|---|
| -20.0 | -515.67 |
| -10.0 | -497.67 |
| 0.0 | -459.67 |
| 5.0 | -450.67 |
| 10.0 | -441.67 |
| 15.0 | -432.67 |
| 20.0 | -423.67 |
| 25.0 | -414.67 |
| 30.0 | -405.67 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How do you convert 5 kelvin to Fahrenheit without a calculator?
- What is the formula for kelvin to Fahrenheit if the value is 5?
- Is 5 kelvin colder than absolute zero in Fahrenheit units?
- Why does 5 kelvin equal a negative Fahrenheit value?
- How many degrees Fahrenheit are in 5 kelvin?
- What’s the difference between 5 kelvin and 5 Fahrenheit?
- Can you get 5 kelvin temperatures on Earth naturally?
Conversion Definitions
kelvin: Kelvin is a scientific temperature scale. Zero kelvin is the coldest possible temperature (absolute zero), where all thermal motion stops. Each kelvin degree is the same size as a Celsius degree. Used in physics, chemistry, and engineering, kelvin never uses the degree symbol.
f: Fahrenheit is a temperature scale, mostly used in the United States. The freezing point of water is 32 °F and the boiling point is 212 °F under standard conditions. Each Fahrenheit degree is smaller than a Celsius or kelvin degree, and its zero isn’t absolute zero—it’s set by historical measures.
Conversion FAQs
Why do kelvin values convert to negative Fahrenheit temperatures at low values?
Kelvin starts at absolute zero, but Fahrenheit’s zero is set based on brine freezing, not absolute zero. So, kelvin values below 255.37 will be negative in Fahrenheit because the offset and scaling used by Fahrenheit makes it higher than kelvin at low points.
Is it possible for temperatures to be below 0 kelvin in Fahrenheit?
No, 0 kelvin is the lowest possible temperature in physics, so you can’t have negative kelvin. But Fahrenheit values can be negative for all temperatures below 255.37 K, including everything below freezing of water, even though kelvin is always positive or zero.
Can you use this conversion for gases or laboratory experiments?
Yes, scientists work with very cold temperatures, especially in physics and chemistry. For example, liquid helium and other cryogenic research needs kelvin, but sometimes results are reported in Fahrenheit for broader audiences or safety notes.
Is the degree symbol used with kelvin?
No, kelvin doesn’t use the degree symbol (°). It’s just written as “K” not “°K”, while Fahrenheit uses “°F”. This is a scientific convention adopted internationally and helps avoid confusion between temperature units.
