How to convert kelvin to celsius
Apply the documented kelvin-to-celsius relationship below, keeping the full stored constant until the displayed result is rounded.
Celsius = Kelvin − 273.15
For example, 10 K equals -263.15 °C.
Kelvin to Celsius reference table
| Kelvin | Celsius |
|---|---|
| 1 K | -272.15 °C |
| 5 K | -268.15 °C |
| 10 K | -263.15 °C |
| 25 K | -248.15 °C |
| 50 K | -223.15 °C |
| 100 K | -173.15 °C |
Method and quality checks
- Calculation
- Celsius = Kelvin − 273.15. The calculator keeps the stored factor through the operation and rounds only the displayed result to the selected or page-supported precision.
- Unit convention
- This is a point-temperature conversion, so the scale offset is included. Temperature intervals use a different rule.
- Input validation
- Finite numeric inputs are accepted, while values below absolute zero for the source scale are rejected.
- Reasonableness check
- 10 K produces -263.15 °C. Check the direction and approximate scale before relying on a more precise displayed value.
Deeper method: Temperature scales compared.
Moving from absolute temperature to Celsius
Kelvin begins at absolute zero, while the Celsius zero point is offset by exactly 273.15. Subtract 273.15 from a thermodynamic temperature in kelvins to obtain degrees Celsius; for example, 273.15 K equals 0 °C.
- Negative Celsius results are normal, but thermodynamic kelvin values cannot be below 0 K.
- Do not add a degree sign to the kelvin symbol.
- Keep sufficient precision when a laboratory value is reported to fractions of a kelvin.
Reference: NIST: Kelvin introduction.