1 kelvin (K) is equal to -272.15 degrees Celsius (°C).
Table of Contents
To convert from kelvin to celsius, you subtract 273.15 from the kelvin value. This is because the kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (0 K), which is equivalent to -273.15 °C. So, 1 K is just 1 degree above absolute zero, making it -272.15 °C.
Conversion Tool
Result in celsius:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kelvin (K) to celsius (°C) is:
°C = K – 273.15
This works because the kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15 °C. When you subtract 273.15 from the kelvin temperature, you shift the scale to start at the freezing point of water (0 °C), aligning kelvin values to their equivalent Celsius values.
For example, converting 1 K to Celsius:
- Start with 1 kelvin.
- Subtract 273.15 from 1: 1 – 273.15 = -272.15.
- The result is -272.15 °C.
Conversion Example
- Convert 100 K to Celsius:
- Take the kelvin value: 100.
- Subtract 273.15: 100 – 273.15 = -173.15.
- So, 100 K equals -173.15 °C.
- Convert 0 K to Celsius:
- Kelvin value is 0.
- Subtract 273.15: 0 – 273.15 = -273.15.
- 0 K equals -273.15 °C, which is absolute zero.
- Convert 300 K to Celsius:
- Start with 300 kelvin.
- Subtract 273.15: 300 – 273.15 = 26.85.
- 300 K equals 26.85 °C.
- Convert 273.15 K to Celsius:
- Kelvin value is 273.15.
- Subtract 273.15: 273.15 – 273.15 = 0.
- 273.15 K equals 0 °C, freezing point of water.
Conversion Chart
| Kelvin (K) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -297.15 |
| -20.0 | -293.15 |
| -10.0 | -283.15 |
| 0.0 | -273.15 |
| 10.0 | -263.15 |
| 15.0 | -258.15 |
| 20.0 | -253.15 |
| 25.0 | -248.15 |
| 26.0 | -247.15 |
Use this chart by locating the kelvin value on the left column, then read across to find the corresponding celsius temperature. Negative kelvin values are physically impossible, but included here for completeness.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is 1 kelvin in degrees Celsius exactly?
- How do you convert 1 K to °C without a calculator?
- Is 1 kelvin warmer or colder than 0 degrees Celsius?
- Why does 1 kelvin equal a negative Celsius temperature?
- How to write the formula for converting 1 K to Celsius?
- What temperature does 1 kelvin represent on the Celsius scale?
- Can 1 kelvin be used for everyday temperature measurements in Celsius?
Conversion Definitions
Kelvin (K): Kelvin is the unit of temperature in the International System of Units, starting at absolute zero. It measures temperature based on thermodynamic temperature scale where 0 K is the lowest possible temperature, with no negative values. It is widely used in science and engineering.
Celsius (°C): Celsius is a temperature scale where 0 degrees is freezing point of water and 100 degrees is boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure. It is used globally for weather, cooking, and daily temperature readings, and it can represent temperatures below zero.
Conversion FAQs
Why is the conversion formula subtracting 273.15 from kelvin?
Because kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15 °C. To change a kelvin value into celsius, you shift the scale down by 273.15. This subtraction aligns the kelvin temperature with Celsius scale’s zero point, which is freezing point of water.
Can kelvin values be negative like Celsius?
No, kelvin temperatures can’t be negative. The kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (0 K), which is the lowest temperature possible. Negative kelvin values don’t exist physically, but Celsius can go below zero because it is based on water’s freezing point.
Is 1 kelvin a practical temperature for daily use?
Not really, 1 kelvin is extremely cold, about -272.15 °C, far below freezing of water. It’s mostly used in scientific contexts like physics or chemistry, not for everyday weather or cooking temperatures.
Why is absolute zero important in conversions?
Absolute zero, 0 K, is the temperature where all molecular motion stops. It sets the starting point for kelvin scale. Knowing this helps in converting to Celsius since Celsius zero is offset by 273.15 degrees from absolute zero.
How precise is the kelvin to Celsius conversion?
The conversion subtracts an exact value of 273.15, which provides high precision for most scientific and daily applications. Minor rounding differences may occur depending on decimal places used, but the formula itself is exact.