Kelvin to Celsius Converter

Convert Kelvin to Celsius and Celsius to Kelvin instantly.

Common Temperature Reference Table

Kelvin (K) Celsius (°C) Description
0-273.15Absolute zero
255.37-17.780 °F
273.150Water freezing point
298.1525Room temperature
310.1537Normal human body temperature
373.15100Water boiling point

Kelvin and Celsius Conversion Formulas

Converting between Kelvin and Celsius relies on a single constant offset. Both scales use the same size of degree, so the only difference is where each scale places its zero point. The conversion therefore involves just an addition or a subtraction of 273.15.

Kelvin to Celsius

°C = K − 273.15

Example: 300 K − 273.15 = 26.85 °C

Celsius to Kelvin

K = °C + 273.15

Example: 25 °C + 273.15 = 298.15 K

Absolute Zero

The Kelvin scale begins at absolute zero, the coldest possible temperature, where all thermal motion stops. Absolute zero is 0 K, which equals −273.15 °C. Because Kelvin has no negative values, it is the standard scale in physics and chemistry.

0 K = −273.15 °C

Since one kelvin is exactly the same size as one degree Celsius, a change of 1 K always equals a change of 1 °C.

Key Reference Temperatures

  • Absolute zero: 0 K = −273.15 °C. The coldest possible temperature.
  • Water freezing point: 273.15 K = 0 °C. The point at which water turns to ice at standard atmospheric pressure.
  • Normal body temperature: 310.15 K = 37 °C. The accepted average for a healthy adult human.
  • Water boiling point: 373.15 K = 100 °C. The point at which water turns to steam at sea level.