0 kelvin equals -273.15 degrees Celsius.
This is because Celsius temperature is calculated by subtracting 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature, which shifts the scale so that 0 Kelvin, the absolute zero, is at -273.15 Celsius. This conversion shows the lowest temperature possible where particles have minimum energy.
Conversion Result
When converting 0 kelvin to celsius, the result is -273.15 °C.
Conversion Tool
Result in celsius:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kelvin to celsius subtracts 273.15 from the kelvin value. Because the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15 Celsius, this subtraction shifts the scale to Celsius. For example, 100 K minus 273.15 equals -173.15 °C.
Conversion Example
- Convert 20 Kelvin:
- Step 1: Write down the kelvin value: 20 K.
- Step 2: Subtract 273.15: 20 – 273.15.
- Step 3: Calculate: -253.15.
- Result: 20 Kelvin equals -253.15 Celsius.
- Convert 300 Kelvin:
- Step 1: Take 300 K.
- Step 2: Subtract 273.15: 300 – 273.15.
- Step 3: Calculate: 26.85.
- Result: 300 Kelvin is 26.85 Celsius.
- Convert 150 Kelvin:
- Step 1: Note 150 K.
- Step 2: Subtract 273.15: 150 – 273.15.
- Step 3: Calculate: -123.15.
- Result: 150 Kelvin equals -123.15 Celsius.
Conversion Chart
This table shows Kelvin to Celsius conversions for values from -25.0 to 25.0, incrementing by 5.0. To read, find the Kelvin value in the first column and look across to see the Celsius equivalent. Use this chart to estimate temperatures quickly.
| Kelvin | Celsius |
|---|---|
| -25.0 | -298.15 |
| -20.0 | -293.15 |
| -15.0 | -288.15 |
| -10.0 | -283.15 |
| -5.0 | -278.15 |
| 0.0 | -273.15 |
| 5.0 | -268.15 |
| 10.0 | -263.15 |
| 15.0 | -258.15 |
| 20.0 | -253.15 |
| 25.0 | -248.15 |
Related Conversion Questions
- What is the Celsius equivalent of 0 kelvin, and what does it mean physically?
- How do I convert negative Kelvin values to Celsius?
- Can I convert 0 kelvin to Fahrenheit using the same method?
- What is the lowest Celsius temperature corresponding to Kelvin values?
- How does the Kelvin scale relate to Celsius in terms of absolute zero?
- Why is 0 Kelvin considered the absolute zero point in temperature?
- How to convert Kelvin to Celsius for high-temperature scientific experiments?
Conversion Definitions
Kelvin
Kelvin is the SI base unit of temperature, starting at absolute zero, the point where particles have minimal energy. It is used mainly in science and engineering, with each degree representing the same thermal change as Celsius but without negative values.
Celsius
Celsius measures temperature based on the freezing point of water at 0 and boiling at 100 degrees under standard conditions. It is a scale where 0°C is freezing point, and 100°C is boiling point of water, with degrees of equal size to Kelvin but shifted.
Conversion FAQs
Why is 0 Kelvin equal to -273.15 Celsius?
This is because Kelvin starts at absolute zero, the lowest temperature possible where particles stop moving, which is -273.15°C in Celsius. The scales are offset by this fixed difference, allowing direct subtraction for conversion.
Can I use the same formula to convert Celsius to Kelvin?
No, to convert Celsius to Kelvin, you add 273.15 instead of subtracting. The formula is: Kelvin = Celsius + 273.15. This shifting accounts for the different starting points of each scale.
What happens if I input a negative Kelvin value in the tool?
Negative Kelvin values are physically impossible, but mathematically, if entered, the formula will subtract 273.15, resulting in values below -273.15 Celsius, which do not represent real temperatures and should be avoided.
Is there any scientific use for Kelvin values below zero?
No, temperatures below zero Kelvin are not physically meaningful because they violate the third law of thermodynamics, which states absolute zero is the lowest limit.
How accurate is the conversion from Kelvin to Celsius in this tool?
The conversion is accurate to four decimal places based on the fixed offset of 273.15, but precision depends on the input value and calculator rounding.