Celsius to Kelvin Calculator
Convert temperatures from Celsius to Kelvin instantly. Perfect for scientific calculations, chemistry, and physics.
273.15 K
0°C
32°F
Formula
K = °C + 273.15
Enter a value to see the calculation
Quick Answer: Celsius to Kelvin Conversion
To convert Celsius to Kelvin, simply add 273.15 to your Celsius temperature. This works because the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C).
Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian
15+ years experience
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Education
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Table of Contents
How to Convert Celsius to Kelvin
Converting Celsius to Kelvin is one of the simplest temperature conversions. Both scales have the same magnitude (a 1-degree change in Celsius equals a 1-degree change in Kelvin), they just have different starting points.
The Formula
K = °C + 273.15
Simply add 273.15 to any Celsius temperature to get the Kelvin equivalent.
Step-by-Step Example
- Start with your Celsius temperature (e.g., 25°C)
- Add 273.15 to this value
- 25 + 273.15 = 298.15
- The result is 298.15 Kelvin
Pro Tip: For quick mental math, you can round 273.15 to 273. This gives you a close approximation: 25°C ≈ 298 K.
Temperature Conversion Table
Reference table for common temperature conversions between Celsius, Kelvin, and Fahrenheit:
| Description | Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Zero | -273.15°C | 0 K | -459.67°F |
| Liquid Nitrogen | -196°C | 77.15 K | -320.8°F |
| Dry Ice | -78.5°C | 194.65 K | -109.3°F |
| Water Freezing | 0°C | 273.15 K | 32°F |
| Room Temperature | 20°C | 293.15 K | 68°F |
| Human Body | 37°C | 310.15 K | 98.6°F |
| Water Boiling | 100°C | 373.15 K | 212°F |
| Oven Low | 150°C | 423.15 K | 302°F |
| Oven High | 250°C | 523.15 K | 482°F |
Understanding the Kelvin Scale
What is Kelvin?
Kelvin (K) is the SI base unit of temperature, named after physicist William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin. Unlike Celsius and Fahrenheit, Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale that starts at absolute zero—the point where all molecular motion theoretically stops.
Key Features
- Starts at absolute zero (0 K = -273.15°C)
- No negative values possible
- Same degree size as Celsius
- SI unit for scientific calculations
Common Uses
- Thermodynamics and physics
- Chemistry and chemical reactions
- Astronomy and astrophysics
- Color temperature in lighting
Note: Unlike Celsius and Fahrenheit, we don't use the degree symbol (°) with Kelvin. It's written as "300 K" not "300°K".
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the formula to convert Celsius to Kelvin?
To convert Celsius to Kelvin, add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. Formula: K = °C + 273.15. For example, 25°C = 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K.
What is 0 Kelvin in Celsius?
0 Kelvin equals -273.15°C. This is called absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature where molecular motion stops completely. It's a theoretical limit that has never been achieved in practice.
Why is Kelvin used in science?
Kelvin is used in science because it starts at absolute zero and has no negative values, making it ideal for thermodynamic calculations. Many physics equations require temperatures in Kelvin to work correctly, especially those involving gas laws and energy calculations.
Is a 1 Kelvin change the same as 1 Celsius change?
Yes! The Kelvin and Celsius scales have the same magnitude. A temperature change of 1 Kelvin equals a temperature change of 1 degree Celsius. The only difference is their zero points.
What is room temperature in Kelvin?
Room temperature (typically 20-25°C or 68-77°F) is approximately 293-298 Kelvin. Standard room temperature of 20°C equals 293.15 K.
How do I convert Kelvin back to Celsius?
To convert Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature. Formula: °C = K - 273.15. For example, 300 K = 300 - 273.15 = 26.85°C.
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Dr. Snezana Lawrence
Mathematical Historian | PhD from Yale
Dr. Lawrence is a published mathematical historian with a PhD from Yale University. She ensures mathematical precision and accuracy in all our calculations, conversions, and academic score calculators. Her expertise spans computational mathematics and educational assessment.
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