Temperature conversion
Kelvin to Celsius (K to °C)
Turn a scientific temperature reading in kelvins into Celsius by subtracting 273.15. A result below zero Celsius can still be above absolute zero.
Convert Kelvin to Celsius using C = K − 273.15.
A temperature recorded as 300 K
- Starting measurement
- 300 K
- Converted value (rounded if needed)
- 26.85 °C
The converter applies the formula to the input; it does not validate the physical conditions of an experiment. Check the source value and its unit before using the result.
Kelvin to Celsius conversion chart
| Kelvin | Celsius |
|---|---|
| 0 K | -273.15 °C |
| 100 K | -173.15 °C |
| 200 K | -73.15 °C |
| 250 K | -23.15 °C |
| 273.15 K | 0 °C |
| 280 K | 6.85 °C |
| 290 K | 16.85 °C |
| 300 K | 26.85 °C |
| 310 K | 36.85 °C |
| 320 K | 46.85 °C |
| 350 K | 76.85 °C |
| 400 K | 126.85 °C |
| 500 K | 226.85 °C |
| 1000 K | 726.85 °C |
How to convert by hand
Formula for a temperature reading
C = K − 273.15
- Start with the reading in Kelvin and apply the formula in the order shown.
- Keep the offset exactly as written. It changes the zero point of the scale.
- Round the result to suit your measurement, after completing the calculation.
Related conversions
About Kelvin and Celsius
These pages convert temperature readings. A temperature change is a different calculation: offsets cancel when comparing two readings. Celsius and kelvin have equal-sized steps; Fahrenheit steps are smaller.
Kelvin
Metric (SI)The SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature, starting at absolute zero. One kelvin is the same size as one degree Celsius. Write K without a degree sign.
Commonly used for: Scientific temperature readings and calculations that use an absolute temperature scale.
Celsius
Metric (SI derived)A Celsius reading is the kelvin reading minus 273.15. Water freezes near 0 °C and boils near 100 °C at standard atmospheric pressure; these are useful reference points rather than the scale’s definition.
Commonly used for: Weather forecasts, oven settings and thermometer readings.
Questions
What does 0 K become in Celsius?
It becomes −273.15 °C, the absolute-zero reference. This does not mean that an ordinary Celsius reading below zero is below absolute zero.
How do I convert Celsius back to Kelvin?
Use our Celsius to Kelvin converter, which applies the inverse formula.
Why might the chart and calculator show different decimal places?
The chart uses a compact rounded display. The editable calculator can show up to six decimal places and uses the factors or temperature formulas stored in the library. More displayed digits do not make the original measurement more precise.
Precision and source
The calculator uses stored conversion factors and temperature formulas, then rounds the result for display. A short decimal in a chart is not a claim of exactness. For a calculation with several steps, keep as much precision as the original measurement supports and round at the end.
Reference: NIST SP 811 conversion factors. Its alphabetical tables distinguish unit variants and temperature readings from intervals. Published by ToolsNow. Report a conversion problem.
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