Kelvin To Celsius Conversion

1 K = -272.15 °C

Want to convert from Celsius to Kelvin instead?

Disclaimer: We've spent hundreds of hours building and testing our calculators and conversion tools. However, we cannot be held liable for any damages or losses (monetary or otherwise) arising out of or in connection with their use. Full disclaimer.

How to convert Kelvin to Celsius (K to °C)

The formula for converting Kelvin to Celsius is: °C = K - 273.15. To calculate the Kelvin value in Celsius first substitute the Kelvin value into the preceding formula, and then perform the calculation. If we wanted to calculate 1 Kelvin in Celsius we follow these steps:

°C = K - 273.15

°C = 1 - 273.15

°C = -272.15

In other words, 1 Kelvin is equal to -272.15 Celsius.

Example Conversion

Let's take a look at an example. The step-by-step process to convert 6 Kelvin to Celsius is:

Understand the conversion formula: °C = K - 273.15
Substitute the required value. In this case we substitute 6 for K so the formula becomes: °C = 6 - 273.15
Calculate the result using the provided values. In our example the result is: 6 - 273.15 = -267.15 °C

In summary, 6 Kelvin is equal to -267.15 Celsius.

Converting Celsius to Kelvin

In order to convert the other way around i.e. Celsius to Kelvin, you would use the following formula: K = °C + 273.15. To convert Celsius to Kelvin first substitute the Celsius value into the above formula, and then execute the calculation. If we wanted to calculate 1 Celsius in Kelvin we follow these steps:

K = °C + 273.15

K = 1 + 273.15

K = 274.15

Or in other words, 1 Celsius is equal to 274.15 Kelvin.

Conversion Unit Definitions

What is a Kelvin?

Kelvin is the unit of temperature measurement in the Kelvin scale, which is the primary temperature scale used in scientific and international contexts. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale, where absolute zero, the theoretical point of complete absence of thermal energy, is defined as 0 Kelvin (K).

Here are some more details about Kelvin:

Absolute Temperature Scale: The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale that measures temperature relative to absolute zero. It is named after the Scottish physicist William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, who proposed the scale in the 19th century.
Zero Point: The Kelvin scale uses absolute zero as its zero point, which is the lowest possible temperature. At absolute zero, all molecular motion theoretically stops. Absolute zero on the Kelvin scale is equivalent to -273.15 degrees Celsius or -459.67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Metric System: The Kelvin scale is part of the metric system, which is a decimal-based system of measurement used internationally. It is the standard unit of temperature measurement in the International System of Units (SI).
Conversion: Kelvin can be converted to other temperature scales. To convert Kelvin to Celsius, you subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin measurement. To convert Kelvin to Fahrenheit, you first convert it to Celsius using the above formula and then use the conversion formula from Celsius to Fahrenheit.
Symbol: The symbol for Kelvin is "K". For example, a temperature measurement of 300 Kelvin would be written as 300 K.
Common Uses: The Kelvin scale is primarily used in scientific, technical, and international contexts. It is commonly employed in fields such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and engineering. Kelvin is particularly useful in calculations involving temperature and energy, as it represents absolute temperature.
International Usage: The Kelvin scale is widely accepted and used internationally as a standard unit of temperature measurement, especially in scientific research, academic settings, and industrial applications. Its usage promotes consistency, compatibility, and ease of communication across different regions and scientific disciplines.

What is a Celsius?

Celsius is a unit of temperature measurement in the metric system. It is named after the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who proposed the Celsius temperature scale in 1742. The Celsius scale is widely used around the world, particularly in scientific, industrial, and everyday applications.

Here are some more details about Celsius:

Temperature Scale: The Celsius scale is based on dividing the temperature range between the freezing and boiling points of water into 100 equal divisions or degrees. On this scale, the freezing point of water is defined as 0 degrees Celsius (°C), and the boiling point of water is defined as 100 degrees Celsius (°C) at standard atmospheric pressure.
Metric System: Celsius is part of the metric system, which is a decimal-based system of measurement used internationally. The metric system provides a coherent and standardized system for measuring various quantities, including temperature.
Conversion: Celsius can be converted to other temperature scales. One of the most common conversions is to the Fahrenheit scale. The formula to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit is: Fahrenheit = (Celsius x 9/5) + 32. Similarly, Celsius can be converted to the Kelvin scale by adding 273.15 to the Celsius measurement.
Common Uses: Celsius is commonly used to measure temperature in scientific, meteorological, and everyday contexts. It is used in weather forecasts, climate studies, laboratory experiments, household thermometers, and many other applications.
Symbol: The symbol for degrees Celsius is "°C". For example, a temperature measurement of 25 degrees Celsius would be written as 25 °C.
Temperature Range: The Celsius scale covers a wide range of temperatures, from extreme cold to extreme heat. The lowest temperature on the Celsius scale is -273.15 degrees Celsius, which is known as absolute zero. This temperature represents the lowest possible temperature at which molecular motion ceases.
International Usage: The Celsius scale is widely used internationally as a standard unit of temperature measurement, especially in countries that have adopted the metric system. Its usage promotes consistency, compatibility, and ease of communication across different regions and scientific fields.