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Kelvin to Celsius Converter

Convert scientific and laboratory temperatures from Kelvin to Celsius.

Online Converter

Convert Kelvin to Celsius

-272.15

Conversion Formula

°C = K − 273.15

1 K in every temperature unit

Tap a unit to make it the target of the converter above.

About kelvin to celsius conversion

Kelvin is the SI base unit for thermodynamic temperature and begins at absolute zero. The Kelvin and Celsius scales have equal-sized increments, with their zero points separated by 273.15. To convert a Kelvin reading to Celsius, subtract 273.15. Kelvin values are written without a degree sign.

1 K = -272.15 °C
1 °C = 274.15 K
°C = K − 273.15

How to use this converter

  1. 1

    Enter a value

    Type a number into the From box. It starts at 1 so you can see the basic ratio straight away. Thousands separators such as 1,250.5 are accepted.

  2. 2

    Choose your units

    This page opens with its own units selected. Use either dropdown to pick any other unit in the category, or tap a unit in the all-units list to make it the target.

  3. 3

    Read the result

    The answer updates as you type and the matching formula is shown underneath. There is no Convert button to press.

  4. 4

    Swap, copy or clear

    Swap reverses the direction, Copy Result copies a line such as 1 km = 0.621371 mi, and Clear empties the input so you can start again.

Supported formats

Input

  • Supported
    Whole numbers25
  • Supported
    Decimal numbers2.75

    Use a dot as the decimal separator.

  • Supported
    Negative numbers-40

    Calculated for every unit. Quantities such as length or weight are normally positive, while temperatures can be negative.

  • Supported
    Thousands separators1,250.5

    Commas must group digits in threes. 1,234 is read as one thousand two hundred thirty-four.

  • Supported
    Scientific notation1.5e6

    Useful for very large or very small values (1.5e6 = 1,500,000).

  • Not supported
    Comma as decimal mark2,5

    Type 2.5 instead.

  • Not supported
    Fractions1/2

    Type 0.5 instead.

  • Not supported
    Numbers with unit text5 km

    Enter only the number and choose the unit from the dropdown.

Output

Results use US English formatting (1,234.56) and show up to 2 decimal places with trailing zeros removed. Very small results appear in scientific notation, such as 9.0949e-13, instead of rounding to zero.

Units available in this converter

  • Celsius (°C)
  • Fahrenheit (°F)
  • Kelvin (K)

Quick reference tables

Common values for the units currently selected above, in both directions.

Kelvin to Celsius
K°C
-40-313.15
-10-283.15
0-273.15
10-263.15
20-253.15
37-236.15
100-173.15
Celsius to Kelvin
°CK
-40233.15
-10263.15
0273.15
10283.15
20293.15
37310.15
100373.15

Worked examples

Absolute zero

0 K-273.15 °C
0 − 273.15 = -273.15

Water freezes at standard pressure

273.15 K0 °C
273.15 − 273.15 = 0

Room temperature

293.15 K20 °C
293.15 − 273.15 = 20

Water boils at standard pressure

373.15 K100 °C
373.15 − 273.15 = 100

Good to know and limitations

Tips

  • Use °C = K − 273.15. A reading of 300 K is 26.85 °C.
  • A temperature interval of 1 K is the same size as an interval of 1 °C.
  • Converts a temperature reading, not a temperature difference. A change of 10 °C is a change of 18 °F, using 9/5 without the +32 offset.
  • Values below absolute zero (0 K, -273.15 °C, -459.67 °F) are physically impossible. The tool still calculates them but shows a warning.
  • Rankine and Réaumur scales are not supported.
  • Results show up to 2 decimal places. Values are not rounded during calculation, and a non-zero result that would display as 0 is shown in scientific notation.

Frequently asked questions

What is 1 K in °C?

1 Kelvin (K) equals -272.15 Celsius (°C).

How do I convert Kelvin to Celsius by hand?

Use °C = K − 273.15. For example, 0 K = -273.15 °C.

What is 1 °C in K?

1 Celsius (°C) equals 274.15 Kelvin (K). Use the swap button to convert in this direction.

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