Kelvin to Celsius
Result:
Enter a temperature to convert.
Convert kelvin to Celsius. From is set to kelvin and To is set to Celsius. The result updates as you type. A temperature interval of 1 K is an interval of 1 °C, and 0 K is −273.15 °C. Other units are on the temperature converter. The other direction is Celsius to kelvin.
Kelvin to Celsius formula
NIST Special Publication 330, Section 2 defines Celsius temperature from thermodynamic temperature by t/°C = T/K − 273.15. The degree Celsius is the same size as the kelvin.
Formula: °C = K − 273.15.
The converter subtracts 273.15, then rounds the displayed result to two decimal places.
Example: 273.15 K − 273.15 = 0 °C. The converter shows 0.00 C. 293.15 K shows 20.00 C. 0 K shows -273.15 C.
Kelvin to Celsius reference table
Each value below is the converter result at two decimal places. Enter the same kelvin temperature in the form above and the result should match.
| Kelvin (K) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| 0 | −273.15 |
| 233.15 | −40.00 |
| 253.15 | −20.00 |
| 273.15 | 0.00 |
| 293.15 | 20.00 |
| 298.15 | 25.00 |
| 310.15 | 37.00 |
| 373.15 | 100.00 |
| 400 | 126.85 |
Kelvin to Celsius examples
Absolute zero: 0 K is −273.15 °C. The converter shows -273.15 C.
Freezing and room temperature: 273.15 K is 0.00 C, and 293.15 K is 20.00 C.
Body and boiling figure: 310.15 K is 37.00 C. 373.15 K is 100.00 C. Fahrenheit equivalents are on the temperature converter.
Quick mental math (approximation)
To estimate Celsius, subtract 273 from the kelvin temperature. Example: 293 K − 273 is about 20 °C. 293.15 K − 273 is 20.15, and the exact result is 20.00 °C.
This shortcut is an approximation. It is always 0.15 degrees Celsius high. Use the converter or the exact formula for lab notes or anything you will record.
Kelvin to Celsius FAQ
How do I convert kelvin to Celsius?
Subtract 273.15 from kelvin. Example: 273.15 K is 0 °C, and 293.15 K is 20 °C. The converter shows 0.00 C and 20.00 C.
What is 0 K in Celsius?
0 K is absolute zero, −273.15 °C. The converter shows -273.15 C.
Can I enter a negative kelvin temperature?
The form accepts a negative number, but a thermodynamic temperature below 0 K is not a physical kelvin reading. Absolute zero is 0 K.