Convert Kelvin to Celsius
To convert kelvins to degrees Celsius, use °C = K × 1 − 273.15: 300 K = 26.85 °C, and 0 K = -273.15 °C.
1 K = -272.15 °C
Type in either box. Scientific notation works: 1.5e-3.
Converting a list? Use the bulk Kelvin to Celsius converter to paste a column from Excel.
How to Convert Kelvin to Celsius
- 1 K = -272.15 °C
- 1 °C = 274.15 K
- Example: convert 300 K to °C: 300 K = (300 × 1 − 273.15) °C = 26.85 °C
Formula
°C = K × 1 − 273.15
Derivation from SI units:
- SI base unit, fixed by the Boltzmann constant k = 1.380649 × 10⁻²³ J/K
- T(K) = t(°C) + 273.15 (exact, by definition)
- Solving for °C: °C = K × 1 − 273.15
Both units are defined exactly, so the factor is exact. Kelvin definition: kelvin; Celsius definition: degree Celsius.
Worked examples
- A temperature of 300 K is 26.85 °C, a warm room.
300 × 1 − 273.15 = 26.85 °C - Liquid nitrogen at 77 K is -196.15 °C.
77 × 1 − 273.15 = -196.15 °C
Kelvin to Celsius conversion table
| Kelvin (K) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| 0 K | -273.15 °C |
| 4.2 K | -268.95 °C |
| 77 K | -196.15 °C |
| 173.15 K | -100 °C |
| 233.15 K | -40 °C |
| 255.37 K | -17.78 °C |
| 273.15 K | 0 °C |
| 288.15 K | 15 °C |
| 293.15 K | 20 °C |
| 298.15 K | 25 °C |
| 310.15 K | 37 °C |
| 373.15 K | 100 °C |
| 500 K | 226.85 °C |
| 773.15 K | 500 °C |
| 1000 K | 726.85 °C |
| 1273.15 K | 1000 °C |
| 1500 K | 1226.85 °C |
| 2000 K | 1726.85 °C |
| 5778 K | 5504.85 °C |
Where it's used
Results from thermodynamics and cryogenics are usually in kelvin; subtracting 273.15 gives Celsius for reports, labels and process control.
Kelvin to other temperature units
| Conversion | 1 K equals |
|---|---|
| Kelvin to Celsius | -272.15 °C |
| Kelvin to Fahrenheit | -457.87 °F |
| Kelvin to Rankine | 1.8 °R |
Frequently asked questions
Can a temperature in kelvin be negative?
No. 0 K is absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature, equal to -273.15 °C.
What is the formula for kelvins to degrees Celsius?
°C = K × 1 − 273.15. For example, 300 K = 26.85 °C.
What is 0 K in °C?
0 K = -273.15 °C, and 100 K = -173.15 °C.
How do I convert a temperature difference from K to °C?
For a difference (an interval), ignore the offset and multiply by 1 only: a change of 10 K is a change of 10 °C.
Sources
- The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition (SI Brochure), Bureau International des Poids et Mesures , Section 2.3.1, base unit definitions.
- The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition (SI Brochure), Bureau International des Poids et Mesures , Section 2.3.1 and Table 4, degree Celsius.
Last reviewed: . Factors are stored exactly and computed with 50-digit decimal arithmetic. See how we verify conversion factors.
Cite this page
APA
Scientific Converters. (2026, October 15). Convert Kelvin to Celsius. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://scientificconverters.com/temperature/kelvin-to-celsius/
IEEE
Scientific Converters, "Convert Kelvin to Celsius," scientificconverters.com. Accessed: Oct. 17, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://scientificconverters.com/temperature/kelvin-to-celsius/