Kelvin to Degrees Celsius Converter
Convert kelvin to degrees Celsius instantly with this free kelvin to degrees Celsius converter. Enter any value to get an accurate temperature conversion, plus the formula, the conversion factor and a full reference table.
What is 1 kelvin in degrees Celsius?
1 kelvin is equal to exactly -272.15 degrees Celsius.
1K → -272.15°C using °C = K − 273.15
1 kelvin = -272.15 degrees Celsius
Kelvin to Degrees Celsius formula
°C = K − 273.15
Temperature scales use an offset as well as a ratio, so kelvin and degrees Celsius cannot be converted by multiplication alone.
Worked examples
- -20 kelvin = -293.15 degrees Celsius — -20K → -293.15°C using °C = K − 273.15
- 10 kelvin = -263.15 degrees Celsius — 10K → -263.15°C using °C = K − 273.15
- 30 kelvin = -243.15 degrees Celsius — 30K → -243.15°C using °C = K − 273.15
Kelvin to Degrees Celsius conversion table
Every value below is calculated with the exact conversion factor and rounded for display.
| Kelvin (K) | Degrees Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| -40 K | -313.15 °C |
| -20 K | -293.15 °C |
| -10 K | -283.15 °C |
| 0 K | -273.15 °C |
| 5 K | -268.15 °C |
| 10 K | -263.15 °C |
| 15 K | -258.15 °C |
| 20 K | -253.15 °C |
| 25 K | -248.15 °C |
| 30 K | -243.15 °C |
| 35 K | -238.15 °C |
| 37 K | -236.15 °C |
| 40 K | -233.15 °C |
| 50 K | -223.15 °C |
| 75 K | -198.15 °C |
| 100 K | -173.15 °C |
When you need to convert kelvin to degrees Celsius
- Setting an oven from a recipe written in the other scale.
- Reading a weather forecast while travelling.
- Interpreting a thermostat, fever reading or industrial spec sheet.
Getting a feel for the scale
A converted number is easier to trust when you can picture it. These reference points let you sanity-check the result at a glance.
Kelvin (K)
- 0 K is absolute zero
- Room temperature is about 294 K
Degree Celsius (°C)
- Water freezes at 0 °C and boils at 100 °C
- Room temperature is about 21 °C
Common mistakes to avoid
- Multiplying without applying the offset. Temperature scales do not share a zero point, so a plain conversion factor gives the wrong answer.
- Converting a temperature difference the same way as a temperature. A change of 10 °C is a change of 18 °F, not 50 °F.
- Rounding too early. Convert first at full precision, then round the final answer to the precision the task actually needs.
How precise does the answer need to be?
For weather and cooking, one decimal place is more than enough. Clinical and laboratory readings normally need 0.1° resolution, and scientific work should carry the full value through the calculation before rounding.
How these units are defined
- Kelvin (K): The SI base unit of temperature, starting at absolute zero. This unit's relationship to the SI base unit is exact by definition, so no rounding enters the conversion factor.
- Degree Celsius (°C): Water freezes at 0 °C and boils at 100 °C at sea level. This unit's relationship to the SI base unit is exact by definition, so no rounding enters the conversion factor.
Related conversions
Frequently asked questions
- What is 1 kelvin in degrees Celsius?
- 1 kelvin is equal to -272.15 degrees Celsius.
- How many kelvin are in one degree Celsius?
- There are 274.15 kelvin in 1 degree Celsius.
- How do you convert kelvin to degrees Celsius?
- Use the formula °C = K − 273.15.
- What is 10 kelvin in degrees Celsius?
- 10 kelvin is -263.15 degrees Celsius. 10K → -263.15°C using °C = K − 273.15.