Kelvin to Celsius Calculator
The Kelvin to Celsius Calculator converts temperatures from kelvin (K) to degrees Celsius (°C). Kelvin is the SI base unit for thermodynamic temperature and is commonly used in physics, chemistry, engineering, and scientific calculations.
The relationship between the two scales is simple because their degree sizes are the same; their zero points are different.
Quick Answer: Kelvin to Celsius Formula
°C = K − 273.15
For example, 300 K = 26.85°C.
How Kelvin to Celsius Conversion Works
The Celsius scale assigns 0°C to the freezing point of water under standard conditions, while the Kelvin scale begins at absolute zero. A change of 1 kelvin has the same size as a change of 1 degree Celsius, so converting between them only requires adding or subtracting 273.15.
To convert kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from the kelvin temperature. Kelvin values used for thermodynamic temperature are not written with a degree symbol: write 300 K, not 300°K.
How to Use the Calculator
- Enter the temperature in kelvin.
- Click the conversion button.
- Read the result in degrees Celsius.
- Keep extra decimal places when precision matters.
Worked Examples
273.15 K: 273.15 − 273.15 = 0°C.
300 K: 300 − 273.15 = 26.85°C.
310 K: 310 − 273.15 = 36.85°C.
350 K: 350 − 273.15 = 76.85°C.
Kelvin to Celsius Conversion Table
| Kelvin | Celsius |
|---|---|
| 0 K | -273.15°C |
| 100 K | -173.15°C |
| 200 K | -73.15°C |
| 273.15 K | 0.00°C |
| 300 K | 26.85°C |
| 310 K | 36.85°C |
| 373.15 K | 100.00°C |
Absolute Zero
Absolute zero is 0 K, equivalent to −273.15°C. It represents the lowest possible thermodynamic temperature. In practical calculations, Kelvin temperatures are normally zero or positive.
Common Mistakes
- Adding 273.15 when converting Kelvin to Celsius instead of subtracting it.
- Writing a degree symbol with kelvin.
- Rounding 273.15 too early in a precision calculation.
- Confusing Kelvin-to-Celsius with Celsius-to-Kelvin conversion.
Important Note
Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale. The conversion here is a unit-scale conversion; it does not change the physical temperature being described.