72 degrees Fahrenheit is equal to approximately 296.483 kelvin.
To convert 72°F to kelvin, we first convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, and then add 273.15 to get kelvin. This two-step process ensures you convert the temperature from one scale to another accurately.
Conversion Tool
Result in kelvin:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Fahrenheit (°F) to kelvin (K) involves first converting Fahrenheit to Celsius (°C), then converting Celsius to kelvin. The steps are:
- Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius:
C = (F - 32) × 5/9 - Convert Celsius to kelvin:
K = C + 273.15
Combined, the formula becomes: K = (F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15.
This works because Fahrenheit and Celsius scales differ by their zero points and increments, and kelvin is the absolute temperature scale starting at absolute zero, which equals -273.15°C.
Example for 72°F:
- Subtract 32: 72 – 32 = 40
- Multiply by 5/9: 40 × 5/9 ≈ 22.2222
- Add 273.15: 22.2222 + 273.15 = 295.3722 K
Conversion Example
Let’s convert 50°F step-by-step:
- Subtract 32 from 50: 50 – 32 = 18
- Multiply 18 by 5/9: 18 × 5/9 = 10
- Add 273.15 to 10: 10 + 273.15 = 283.15 K
Another example with 100°F:
- 100 – 32 = 68
- 68 × 5/9 ≈ 37.7778
- 37.7778 + 273.15 = 310.9278 K
One more with 0°F:
- 0 – 32 = -32
- -32 × 5/9 ≈ -17.7778
- -17.7778 + 273.15 = 255.3722 K
Conversion Chart
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|
| 47.0 | 280.3722 |
| 52.0 | 282.0389 |
| 57.0 | 283.7056 |
| 62.0 | 285.3722 |
| 67.0 | 287.0389 |
| 72.0 | 288.7056 |
| 77.0 | 290.3722 |
| 82.0 | 292.0389 |
| 87.0 | 293.7056 |
| 92.0 | 295.3722 |
| 97.0 | 297.0389 |
This chart helps you quickly see kelvin values corresponding to various Fahrenheit temperatures between 47 and 97. You can use it to find approximate conversions without calculations, by matching your Fahrenheit value on the left and reading kelvin on the right.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is the kelvin equivalent of 72 degrees Fahrenheit?
- How do I convert 72°F to kelvin manually?
- Is 72°F warmer or colder than 300 kelvin?
- Can I use a formula to change 72 degrees Fahrenheit into kelvin?
- What temperature in kelvin matches 72°F exactly?
- Why does converting 72°F to kelvin require subtracting 32 first?
- Is 72°F above the freezing point in kelvin scale?
Conversion Definitions
Fahrenheit: Fahrenheit is a temperature scale where water freezes at 32 degrees and boils at 212 degrees under standard atmospheric conditions. It divides the range between freezing and boiling of water into 180 equal parts called degrees. Mostly used in the US and few other countries.
Kelvin: Kelvin is the SI unit of temperature, starting at absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature where particles have minimum motion. Unlike Celsius or Fahrenheit, kelvin does not use degree symbol and is widely used in science and engineering to measure thermal energy.
Conversion FAQs
Why do I subtract 32 when converting Fahrenheit to kelvin?
Subtracting 32 adjusts for the offset between Fahrenheit scale and Celsius scale. Fahrenheit zero point is lower than Celsius zero, so removing 32 aligns the temperature to Celsius scale before converting to kelvin.
Can I convert kelvin directly to Fahrenheit without Celsius?
Yes, but the formula is more complex. Converting kelvin to Fahrenheit involves first subtracting 273.15 to get Celsius, then multiplying by 9/5 and adding 32. Direct conversion formulas exist but usually go through Celsius step for clarity.
Is kelvin always higher than Fahrenheit values?
Not always. Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, so temperatures below -459.67°F will be negative or undefined in kelvin. For temperatures commonly encountered, kelvin values tend to be higher numbers than Fahrenheit due to different zero points and scales.
Why is kelvin preferred over Celsius or Fahrenheit in science?
Kelvin is absolute scale starting from zero thermal energy, making calculations involving temperature changes and thermodynamic equations more straightforward. Celsius and Fahrenheit have arbitrary zero points, which complicates scientific work.
Does converting 72°F to kelvin lose precision?
The conversion formula maintains precision as long as calculations are done with enough decimal points. Rounding errors can happen if you truncate intermediate values too early but the formula itself is exact mathematically.