68 degrees Fahrenheit is equal to approximately 293.15 kelvin.
To convert Fahrenheit to kelvin, you first convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, then add 273.15 to that Celsius value. This two-step conversion accounts for the different zero points and scale sizes of the temperature units.
Conversion Tool
Result in kelvin:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Fahrenheit (°F) to Kelvin (K) is:
K = ((°F − 32) × 5/9) + 273.15.
This works because the Fahrenheit scale starts at 32 for the freezing point of water, while Celsius scale starts at 0 for the same point. The factor 5/9 converts Fahrenheit degrees to Celsius degrees. Then, 273.15 shifts the Celsius temperature to the Kelvin scale, whose zero is absolute zero.
Example calculation for 68 °F:
- Subtract 32: 68 − 32 = 36
- Multiply by 5/9: 36 × 5/9 = 20
- Add 273.15: 20 + 273.15 = 293.15 K
Conversion Example
- Convert 50 °F to kelvin:
- 50 − 32 = 18
- 18 × 5/9 = 10
- 10 + 273.15 = 283.15 K
- Convert 77 °F to kelvin:
- 77 − 32 = 45
- 45 × 5/9 = 25
- 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K
- Convert 100 °F to kelvin:
- 100 − 32 = 68
- 68 × 5/9 ≈ 37.78
- 37.78 + 273.15 ≈ 310.93 K
- Convert 32 °F to kelvin:
- 32 − 32 = 0
- 0 × 5/9 = 0
- 0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K
Conversion Chart
| Fahrenheit (°F) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|
| 43.0 | 278.15 |
| 48.0 | 280.15 |
| 53.0 | 283.15 |
| 58.0 | 286.15 |
| 63.0 | 289.15 |
| 68.0 | 293.15 |
| 73.0 | 295.15 |
| 78.0 | 298.15 |
| 83.0 | 301.15 |
| 88.0 | 305.15 |
| 93.0 | 308.15 |
The chart shows Fahrenheit values in the left column with their corresponding kelvin equivalents in the right. You can find the approximate kelvin by locating the Fahrenheit number, helps when quick conversions are needed without using a calculator.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is 68 degrees Fahrenheit in kelvin exactly?
- How do I convert 68 °F to kelvin without calculator?
- Is 68 °F warmer than 293 K?
- What temperature in kelvin corresponds to room temperature around 68 °F?
- How many kelvin is 68 Fahrenheit minus 10 degrees?
- Can you convert 68 °F to kelvin with a simple formula?
- What’s the kelvin value for 68 °F in scientific experiments?
Conversion Definitions
Fahrenheit: Fahrenheit is a temperature scale where the freezing point of water is 32 degrees and the boiling point is 212 degrees under standard atmospheric pressure. It is used mainly in the United States and some Caribbean countries, representing temperature in increments called degrees Fahrenheit.
Kelvin: Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale used in science, starting at absolute zero, the point where molecular motion stops. Unlike Celsius or Fahrenheit, kelvin does not use degrees, and it is the base unit of temperature in the International System of Units (SI).
Conversion FAQs
Why do we add 273.15 when converting to kelvin?
Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is −273.15 °C, so adding 273.15 shifts the Celsius temperature so that 0 K represents the lowest possible temperature. This adjustment makes kelvin an absolute temperature scale.
Can I convert Fahrenheit directly to kelvin without going through Celsius?
The formula combines the conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius and Celsius to kelvin in one step. So, yes, by using K = ((°F − 32) × 5/9) + 273.15 you convert directly, but conceptually the first step converts to Celsius.
Is kelvin used in everyday temperature measurement?
Kelvin is mostly used in science and engineering, not daily weather reports. People use Celsius or Fahrenheit for weather, cooking, and daily life; kelvin is preferred where precise thermodynamic calculations are needed.
What happens if the Fahrenheit value is below freezing?
The formula works for all Fahrenheit values, including below freezing. Negative Fahrenheit values convert to kelvin values above zero, because kelvin cannot be negative.
Why is 68 °F equal to 293.15 K and not a whole number?
Because of the decimal parts in the conversion factor and the offset of 273.15, the result often has decimal places. Temperature scales are continuous, so exact integer values are rare in conversions.