1 kelvin (K) is equal to -272.15 degrees Celsius (°C).
The conversion from kelvin to celsius is done by subtracting 273.15 from the kelvin temperature. Since 1 K is just above absolute zero, it results in a negative Celsius value. This difference comes from the starting points of the two temperature scales.
Conversion Tool
Result in celsius:
Conversion Formula
To convert kelvin (K) into celsius (°C), the formula you use is:
°C = K – 273.15
This formula works because the kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (0 K), which is the lowest possible temperature, while the Celsius scale sets 0°C at the freezing point of water. Subtracting 273.15 shifts the kelvin value down to match Celsius temperatures.
Example: Convert 1 K to Celsius.
- Start with 1 kelvin.
- Subtract 273.15 from 1.
- 1 – 273.15 = -272.15°C.
Conversion Example
- Convert 100 K to Celsius:
- 100 kelvin minus 273.15.
- 100 – 273.15 = -173.15°C.
- So, 100 K equals -173.15°C.
- Convert 300 K to Celsius:
- 300 kelvin minus 273.15.
- 300 – 273.15 = 26.85°C.
- Resulting in 26.85 degrees Celsius.
- Convert 0 K to Celsius:
- 0 kelvin minus 273.15.
- 0 – 273.15 = -273.15°C.
- This is absolute zero in Celsius scale.
- Convert 500 K to Celsius:
- 500 kelvin minus 273.15.
- 500 – 273.15 = 226.85°C.
- Thus, 500 K equals 226.85°C.
Conversion Chart
| Kelvin (K) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -297.15 |
| -20.0 | -293.15 |
| -10.0 | -283.15 |
| 0.0 | -273.15 |
| 5.0 | -268.15 |
| 10.0 | -263.15 |
| 15.0 | -258.15 |
| 20.0 | -253.15 |
| 25.0 | -248.15 |
| 26.0 | -247.15 |
The chart shows kelvin values and their celsius equivalents by subtracting 273.15 from each kelvin number. Use the chart to quickly find celsius temperature without calculation, noting the negative Celsius when kelvin is below 273.15.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is the Celsius equivalent of 1 kelvin?
- How do you convert 1 K to °C without a calculator?
- Why does 1 kelvin convert to a negative Celsius temperature?
- Is 1 kelvin colder than 0 degrees Celsius?
- What temperature does 1 K represent in Celsius scale?
- How much colder is 1 kelvin compared to freezing point in Celsius?
- Can 1 kelvin be directly converted to Celsius by subtracting 273.15?
Conversion Definitions
Kelvin (K): Kelvin is the base unit of temperature in the International System of Units (SI) measuring absolute thermodynamic temperature. Zero kelvin represents absolute zero, the point where particles theoretically have minimum thermal motion. It’s used in science for precise temperature measurement.
Celsius (°C): Celsius is a temperature scale based on the freezing and boiling points of water at sea level, set at 0°C and 100°C respectively. It’s widely used for weather, cooking, and everyday temperature readings in many countries outside the US.
Conversion FAQs
Why is 1 kelvin a negative value in Celsius?
Because Celsius and kelvin scales have different zero points. Kelvin starts at absolute zero (0 K), while Celsius sets zero at water’s freezing point (273.15 K). So subtracting 273.15 from 1 K results in a negative Celsius temperature, -272.15°C.
Can kelvin values be negative?
No, kelvin temperatures cannot be below zero because 0 K represents absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature where particles stop moving. Negative kelvin values are physically meaningless in thermodynamics.
Is kelvin used outside of scientific fields?
Kelvin is mostly used in scientific and engineering fields where precise temperature measurement is needed. Everyday temperature reporting prefers Celsius or Fahrenheit, but kelvin is essential for physics and chemistry calculations.
How precise is the kelvin to Celsius conversion?
The conversion is exact mathematically since it involves a simple subtraction of 273.15. The precision depends on the decimal places used, but the constant subtraction value never changes.
Does converting kelvin to Celsius affect temperature differences?
No, temperature differences remain the same in both scales. For example, a change of 10 K equals a change of 10°C because both scales have the same incremental size, only shifted by 273.15.