20 degrees Celsius equals 293.15 kelvin.
Table of Contents
The conversion from Celsius to kelvin involves adding 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. This is because the kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15°C, so to convert, you shift the scale upward by that amount.
Conversion Tool
Result in kelvin:
Conversion Formula
The formula for converting Celsius (°C) to kelvin (K) is:
K = °C + 273.15
This happens because the kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C), so when you add 273.15, you shift the temperature to kelvin. For example, if the temperature is 20°C:
- Add 273.15 to 20: 20 + 273.15 = 293.15 K
- So 20°C is equivalent to 293.15 kelvin.
Conversion Example
- Convert 0°C to kelvin:
- Add 273.15: 0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K
- Result: 0°C equals 273.15 kelvin.
- Convert -10°C to kelvin:
- Add 273.15: -10 + 273.15 = 263.15 K
- Result: -10°C equals 263.15 kelvin.
- Convert 37°C to kelvin:
- Add 273.15: 37 + 273.15 = 310.15 K
- Result: 37°C equals 310.15 kelvin.
- Convert 100°C to kelvin:
- Add 273.15: 100 + 273.15 = 373.15 K
- Result: 100°C equals 373.15 kelvin.
Conversion Chart
| Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|
| -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 |
| 30.0 | 303.15 |
| 35.0 | 308.15 |
| 40.0 | 313.15 |
| 45.0 | 318.15 |
The chart above shows Celsius values from -5.0 to 45.0 and their equivalent kelvin temperatures. To use the chart, find your Celsius temperature in the left column and read the converted kelvin value to the right.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is 20 degrees Celsius in kelvin exactly?
- How do I convert 20 °C into kelvin step by step?
- What kelvin temperature equals 20 Celsius in scientific terms?
- Is 20 Celsius warmer than 290 kelvin or not?
- How much kelvin is 20 Celsius on the temperature scale?
- Can you convert 20 Celsius to kelvin using a simple formula?
- Why does adding 273.15 convert 20 Celsius to kelvin?
Conversion Definitions
Celsius: Celsius is a temperature scale where 0 degrees marks the freezing point of water and 100 degrees the boiling point at standard atmospheric pressure. It is used widely in weather reports, science, and daily temperature measurements.
Kelvin: Kelvin is the SI base unit for temperature, starting at absolute zero, where all molecular motion theoretically stops. It does not use degrees, and each kelvin unit is equal in size to one degree Celsius.
Conversion FAQs
Why do you add 273.15 when converting Celsius to kelvin?
You add 273.15 because kelvin scale begins at absolute zero, which is -273.15°C. Adding this number shifts the Celsius temperature so that zero kelvin is the lowest possible temperature.
Can kelvin values be negative like Celsius?
No, kelvin values cannot be negative since zero kelvin is absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature. Celsius can be negative because it is a relative scale based on water’s freezing point.
Is the kelvin scale used in everyday life?
Kelvin is mainly used in scientific contexts, like physics and chemistry. Celsius is preferred for everyday use, weather forecasts, and cooking temperatures.
What happens if I convert 20 Celsius to kelvin and then back?
Converting to kelvin and back to Celsius should return the original value, because the process adds then subtracts 273.15, canceling out the offset.
Does the conversion formula change for very high or low temperatures?
No, the formula K = °C + 273.15 applies for all temperatures, from very cold to extremely hot, because it’s a fixed offset between the two scales.