0 degrees Celsius is equal to 273.15 kelvin.
Table of Contents
To convert Celsius to kelvin, you add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. This is because kelvin and Celsius scales have the same size degree, but kelvin starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15°C. So, 0°C plus 273.15 gives the kelvin value.
Conversion Tool
Result in kelvin:
Conversion Formula
The formula for converting Celsius (°C) to kelvin (K) is:
K = °C + 273.15
This formula works because the kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15 degrees Celsius. Celsius degrees and kelvin degrees are the same size, so to find the equivalent kelvin temperature, add 273.15 to the Celsius value.
For example, to convert 0°C:
- Start with 0°C
- Add 273.15
- 0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K
Conversion Example
- Convert 25°C to kelvin:
- Take 25°C
- Add 273.15
- 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K
- Convert -10°C to kelvin:
- Start with -10°C
- Add 273.15
- -10 + 273.15 = 263.15 K
- Convert 100°C to kelvin:
- Take 100°C
- Add 273.15
- 100 + 273.15 = 373.15 K
- Convert -40°C to kelvin:
- Start with -40°C
- Add 273.15
- -40 + 273.15 = 233.15 K
Conversion Chart
This chart shows Celsius values from -25.0 to 25.0 alongside their kelvin equivalents. To find the kelvin value, simply locate the Celsius temperature and read across the row for the kelvin result.
Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) |
---|---|
-25.0 | 248.15 |
-20.0 | 253.15 |
-15.0 | 258.15 |
-10.0 | 263.15 |
-5.0 | 268.15 |
0.0 | 273.15 |
5.0 | 278.15 |
10.0 | 283.15 |
15.0 | 288.15 |
20.0 | 293.15 |
25.0 | 298.15 |
Related Conversion Questions
- What is the kelvin equivalent of 0 degrees Celsius?
- How do I convert 0°C to kelvin without a calculator?
- Is 0 Celsius the same as 273.15 kelvin?
- Why does the kelvin value increase when converting from Celsius?
- Can the temperature 0°C ever be below 273 kelvin?
- How to change 0 degrees Celsius to kelvin in scientific experiments?
- What temperature in kelvin corresponds to freezing point at 0°C?
Conversion Definitions
Celsius: Celsius is a temperature scale used worldwide, defined by the freezing point of water at 0 degrees and boiling point at 100 degrees under standard atmospheric pressure. The scale is based on degrees Celsius (°C), with increments equal to kelvin units.
Kelvin: Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale starting at absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature where particles have minimal energy. Kelvin units (K) are the same size as degrees Celsius, but kelvin values are always positive, starting at zero kelvin.
Conversion FAQs
Why do we add 273.15 when converting Celsius to kelvin?
Adding 273.15 adjusts the Celsius scale to kelvin’s starting point, absolute zero, which is -273.15°C. Since degrees are same size, the offset shifts zero Celsius to 273.15 kelvin, making all kelvin temperatures positive.
Can kelvin temperature be negative?
No, kelvin cannot be negative because it starts at absolute zero, the coldest possible temperature. Negative kelvin values would imply less energy than absolute zero, which isn’t physically possible.
Are Celsius and kelvin scales equally spaced?
Yes, both scales have equally sized units, meaning a one-degree change in Celsius equals a one kelvin change. The difference is the zero points, with kelvin starting at absolute zero.
Is 0°C the freezing point of water in kelvin?
Yes, 0 degrees Celsius corresponds to 273.15 kelvin and is the freezing point of water at standard pressure. This is often used in scientific calculations requiring absolute temperature.
Why is kelvin used in scientific contexts instead Celsius?
Kelvin is used because it starts at absolute zero, allowing direct calculations involving thermodynamics and physics without negative temperatures. Celsius is convenient for everyday use but less suitable for precise scientific formulas.