Kelvin to Celsius Converter
Convert kelvins to degrees Celsius with a two-way calculator. The formula is °C = K − 273.15. The chart below covers freezing, room, body and boiling temperatures.
How to convert kelvins to degrees Celsius
Worked example: convert -5 K to °C. -5 − 273.15 = -278.15 °C. Reverse it with K = °C + 273.15.
Kelvins to degrees Celsius chart
| Kelvins (K) | Degrees celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| 0 K | -273.15 °C |
| 100 K | -173.15 °C |
| 200 K | -73.15 °C |
| 250 K | -23.15 °C |
| 255 K | -18.15 °C |
| 273 K | -0.15 °C |
| 273.15 K | 0 °C |
| 280 K | 6.85 °C |
| 290 K | 16.85 °C |
| 293.15 K | 20 °C |
| 300 K | 26.85 °C |
| 310 K | 36.85 °C |
| 373 K | 99.85 °C |
| 400 K | 126.85 °C |
| 500 K | 226.85 °C |
| 600 K | 326.85 °C |
| 800 K | 526.85 °C |
| 1,000 K | 726.85 °C |
Degrees celsius to kelvins (reverse)
| Degrees celsius (°C) | Kelvins (K) |
|---|---|
| -40 °C | 233.15 K |
| -30 °C | 243.15 K |
| -20 °C | 253.15 K |
| -10 °C | 263.15 K |
| 0 °C | 273.15 K |
| 5 °C | 278.15 K |
| 10 °C | 283.15 K |
| 15 °C | 288.15 K |
| 20 °C | 293.15 K |
| 25 °C | 298.15 K |
| 30 °C | 303.15 K |
| 35 °C | 308.15 K |
About the kelvin and the degree Celsius
Kelvin is the SI base unit of temperature and starts at absolute zero, so it has no negative values. A change of one kelvin equals a change of one degree Celsius. Scientists and engineers use it for gas laws, color temperature and cryogenics.
The Celsius scale puts the freezing point of water at 0 degrees and its boiling point at 100 degrees at sea-level pressure. It is used for weather, cooking and science in nearly every country outside the United States.
Zero kelvins is -273.15 °C, and 100 K is -173.15 °C.
Everyday sizes in kelvins and degrees Celsius
| Everyday example (approximate) | In kelvins | In degrees Celsius |
|---|---|---|
| The coldest air temperature ever recorded | 183.95 K | -89.2 °C |
| A home freezer | 255.15 K | -18 °C |
| Water freezes | 273.15 K | 0 °C |
| A fridge | 277.15 K | 4 °C |
| A comfortable room | 294.15 K | 21 °C |
| A hot summer day | 308.15 K | 35 °C |
| Normal human body temperature | 310.15 K | 37 °C |
| A hot bath | 313.15 K | 40 °C |
Kelvins to degrees Celsius FAQ
What is 0 K in °C?
0 K equals -273.15 °C. For reference, 100 K equals -173.15 °C.
How do I convert kelvins to degrees Celsius without a calculator?
convert -5 K to °C. -5 − 273.15 = -278.15 °C. Reverse it with K = °C + 273.15. Subtract 273 for a quick estimate and 273.15 for the exact value. Room temperature (about 293 K) is 20 °C.
What is a hot bath in degrees Celsius?
A hot bath is about 313.15 kelvins, which is 40 degrees Celsius. Treat that as an approximate everyday figure rather than an official measurement.
Which scale does my country use, kelvins or degrees Celsius?
Kelvin has no degree sign and starts at absolute zero (-273.15 °C); it is the same everywhere. Celsius is the everyday scale in almost every country except the United States; 0 °C is 273.15 K.