Convert Kelvin to Celsius
Convert Kelvin to Celsius by subtracting 273.15. Ideal for translating absolute temperatures into everyday metric values.
How to Convert Kelvin to Celsius
To convert Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin value.
Conversion Formula:
value - 273.15Understanding the Conversion
Kelvin to Celsius is used whenever absolute temperatures from scientific instruments need to be read in familiar metric terms. Because Kelvin shares the same degree size as Celsius, you simply subtract 273.15 to remove the absolute zero offset and return to the everyday Celsius scale.
The formula is °C = K − 273.15. For example, 273.15 K equals 0°C, 298.15 K equals 25°C, and 310.15 K equals 37°C (body temperature). Scientific sensors often output Kelvin because many equations require absolute values, but reporting results in Celsius is clearer for general audiences.
Use this conversion in physics labs, chemical process monitoring, cryogenic storage, or engineering simulations that output Kelvin. The converter keeps decimals intact so you can communicate results accurately in Celsius for reports, safety documentation, or QA records.
Remember that Kelvin values are always positive, so subtracting 273.15 may produce negative Celsius values when dealing with very cold environments or cryogenic systems.
Conversion Examples
Example: Convert 295 K to Celsius
- Step 1: Subtract 273.15.
- Step 2: 295 − 273.15 = 21.85.
- Step 3: Result is about 21.85°C.
295 K ≈ 21.85°C
This is close to comfortable room temperature.
Example: Convert 310.15 K to Celsius
- Step 1: 310.15 − 273.15 = 37.
- Step 2: Result is 37°C.
- Step 3: No further calculation needed.
310.15 K = 37°C
37°C is normal human body temperature.
Example: Convert 250 K to Celsius
- Step 1: 250 − 273.15 = -23.15.
- Step 2: Result is negative because 250 K is below freezing.
- Step 3: Final value is -23.15°C.
250 K = -23.15°C
Demonstrates how absolute temperatures map to subfreezing Celsius values.
Conversion Formula
Kelvin and Celsius increments match, so converting only shifts the zero point. Subtracting 273.15 moves the value from the absolute scale back to the Celsius reference at water’s freezing point.
Conversion Chart
| Kelvin | Celsius |
|---|---|
| 250 | -23.15 |
| 260 | -13.15 |
| 273.15 | 0 |
| 283.15 | 10 |
| 293.15 | 20 |
| 298.15 | 25 |
| 303.15 | 30 |
| 310.15 | 37 |
| 323.15 | 50 |
| 373.15 | 100 |
Quick Conversion Tip
Kelvin to Celsius is always “minus 273.15.” No scaling required.
Unit Definitions
Kelvin (K)
Absolute temperature scale starting at absolute zero (0 K).
To Celsius, subtract 273.15. To Fahrenheit, use (K − 273.15) × 9/5 + 32. To Rankine, multiply by 9/5.
Celsius (°C)
Metric temperature scale anchored to water phase changes.
Add 273.15 to reach Kelvin. Convert to Fahrenheit with (°C × 9/5) + 32 and to Rankine with (°C + 273.15) × 9/5.
Common Use Cases
- Translate Kelvin sensor outputs into Celsius for reports.
- Share cryogenic or refrigeration temperatures in metric units.
- Convert simulation data from Kelvin to Celsius for presentations.
- Academic work where answers must be in Celsius.
- Quality control and safety logs that prefer Celsius notation.
- Environmental monitoring that records in Kelvin but needs Celsius for alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why subtract 273.15?
273.15 K equals 0°C. Subtracting this offset repositions the absolute reading onto the Celsius scale.
Why can Celsius be negative while Kelvin is not?
Kelvin starts at absolute zero, so it cannot go below zero. Celsius is a relative scale and can drop below 0°C for subfreezing temperatures.
Do temperature differences change when converting?
No. A 5 K increase equals a 5°C increase because the degree sizes are identical.