Kelvin to Celsius Converter
Enter the temperature in kelvin below to convert it to celsius.
Convert Kelvin to Celsius
Enter a value in kelvin (K) to convert to celsius (°C).
Kelvin to Celsius Conversion Table
Table showing various kelvin measurements converted to celsius. Click any preset value or arrow to load it into the converter.
| Kelvin (K) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| -40 K | -313.15 °C |
| -20 K | -293.15 °C |
| -10 K | -283.15 °C |
| 0 K | -273.15 °C |
| 1 K | -272.15 °C |
| 2 K | -271.15 °C |
| 5 K | -268.15 °C |
| 10 K | -263.15 °C |
| 15 K | -258.15 °C |
| 20 K | -253.15 °C |
How to Convert Kelvin to Celsius
To convert kelvin (K) to celsius (°C), apply the thermodynamic scale offset formula rather than a single multiplication factor because the two temperature scales have different zero points.
You can use this standard formula to convert kelvin to celsius:
Each temperature reading in kelvin is scaled and shifted by the zero-point offset to obtain the exact temperature in celsius.
For example, here's how to convert 300 K to celsius using the formula above:
How Many Celsius Are in a Kelvin?
On the Kelvin scale, a reading of 1 K corresponds to -272.15 °C on the Celsius scale.
Our kelvin to celsius calculator automatically converts your temperature measurements with full decimal and scientific precision across US customary, imperial, and SI metric standards.
Kelvin and celsius are both units used to measure temperature. Keep reading to learn more about each unit.
What Is a Kelvin?
Base SI thermodynamic temperature scale starting at absolute zero (0 K = -273.15 °C). It serves as a primary reference unit for measuring temperature across scientific and practical applications. [1]
The kelvin is classified as an International System of Units (SI) unit of temperature. Kelvin can be abbreviated as K; for example, 1 kelvin can be written as 1 K.
When working with kelvin (K) in formulas or technical specifications, always verify whether your target system uses SI metric, US customary, or British imperial standards.
In practice, kelvin (K) are widely used across standard temperature applications within International System of Units (SI) workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
What Is a Celsius?
Temperature scale where water freezes at 0 °C and boils at 100 °C. It serves as a primary reference unit for measuring temperature across scientific and practical applications. [2]
The celsius is classified as an International System of Units (SI) unit of temperature. Celsius can be abbreviated as °C; for example, 1 celsius can be written as 1 °C.
As the primary coherent reference unit for temperature in this category, all other temperature units are mathematically anchored to the celsius (°C).
In practice, celsius (°C) are widely used across standard temperature applications within International System of Units (SI) workflows, engineering documentation, and technical data sheets.
When converting temperature between kelvin (K) and celsius (°C), keep full floating-point precision (1 K = -272.15 °C; 1 °C = 274.15 K) during intermediate calculations and round only the final celsius figure to match your instrument tolerance.
More Kelvin & Celsius Conversions
Need to calculate in the opposite direction? Use our celsius to kelvin converter (°C to K) to switch your starting unit immediately. You can also explore related tools such as converting fahrenheit to celsius, converting rankine to celsius, or converting kelvin to fahrenheit.
Convert from Kelvin
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Frequently Asked Questions
References
- [1]NIST OWM StandardNIST OWM (SI Units — Temperature)·Temperature Metrology Standard — Kelvin (K) to Celsius (°C)
- [2]BIPM SpecificationBIPM (SI Base Unit: Kelvin (K))·Unit Specifications: Kelvin (K) & Celsius (°C)
- [3]NIST SP 811 ReferenceNIST SP 811 (NIST SP 811 App. B.9 (Heat & Temp))·Conversion Factors & Mathematical Basis (K to °C)