The temperature 1 kelvin (k) equals -272.15 degrees Celsius (°C).
Converting kelvin to Celsius involves subtracting 273.15 from the kelvin value because kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15°C. So, 1 k is just above absolute zero, making it a very cold temperature in Celsius terms.
Conversion Tool
Result in celsius:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kelvin (k) to Celsius (°C) is:
°C = k – 273.15
This formula works because the kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15°C. So, to find the Celsius temperature, you just subtract 273.15 from the kelvin value. This directly shifts the zero point from absolute zero to the freezing point of water.
Example calculation for 1 k:
- Start with the kelvin value: 1 k
- Subtract 273.15: 1 – 273.15 = -272.15
- Result is -272.15 °C
Conversion Example
- Convert 100 k to Celsius:
- Take 100 kelvin
- Subtract 273.15: 100 – 273.15 = -173.15
- So, 100 k equals -173.15 °C
- Convert 0 k to Celsius:
- Kelvin of 0 is absolute zero
- 0 – 273.15 = -273.15 °C
- Meaning absolute zero in Celsius
- Convert 300 k to Celsius:
- Start with 300 kelvin
- Subtract 273.15: 300 – 273.15 = 26.85
- Therefore, 300 k equals 26.85 °C
- Convert 273.15 k to Celsius:
- 273.15 kelvin minus 273.15
- 273.15 – 273.15 = 0
- So, water freezes at 0 °C
Conversion Chart
| Kelvin (k) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -297.15 |
| -20.0 | -293.15 |
| -10.0 | -283.15 |
| 0.0 | -273.15 |
| 5.0 | -268.15 |
| 10.0 | -263.15 |
| 15.0 | -258.15 |
| 20.0 | -253.15 |
| 25.0 | -248.15 |
| 26.0 | -247.15 |
This chart shows how kelvin values correspond to Celsius temperatures. To use it, find the kelvin value in the left column and read the right column for Celsius. Negative kelvin values are theoretical but included for reference.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is 1 kelvin in Celsius degrees?
- How to convert 1 K into Celsius easily?
- Is 1 kelvin colder than 0 Celsius?
- What temperature does 1 K represent in Celsius?
- How many Celsius degrees equals 1 kelvin?
- Why is 1 K less than 0 °C?
- How to calculate Celsius from 1 kelvin value?
Conversion Definitions
Kelvin (k): Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale starting at absolute zero, where molecular motion stops. It uses the same size units as Celsius but begins at zero, making it useful for scientific thermodynamics and physics without negative values.
Celsius (°C): Celsius is a temperature scale based on the freezing and boiling points of water, set at 0 °C and 100 °C respectively. It’s commonly used for weather, cooking, and everyday temperature measures with positive and negative values.
Conversion FAQs
Can Celsius temperature ever be negative when converted from kelvin?
Yes, Celsius temperatures become negative when the kelvin value is less than 273.15. Since Celsius zero point is at 273.15 kelvin, any kelvin number below that results in a negative Celsius value, indicating temperatures below freezing point of water.
Why do we subtract 273.15 when converting kelvin to Celsius?
Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15 °C. The subtraction adjusts the kelvin value down to the Celsius reference point. This shifts the temperature scale from absolute zero to water freezing point, making the two scales aligned for practical use.
Is it possible for kelvin values to be negative?
Negative kelvin values are not physically possible, as kelvin starts at absolute zero (0 k). Any negative kelvin would mean a temperature below absolute zero, which contradicts laws of thermodynamics.
What practical use does converting kelvin to Celsius have?
Converting kelvin to Celsius helps translate scientific temperature readings into units people use daily like weather reports or cooking temperatures. Scientists use kelvin, but Celsius is easier for general understanding.
Are kelvin and Celsius units the same size?
Yes, kelvin and Celsius have the same unit size, meaning a change of 1 kelvin equals a change of 1 degree Celsius. The difference is their zero points on the temperature scale.