0 kelvin is equal to -273.15 Celsius.
Because the Celsius scale is based on the Kelvin scale with a zero point at absolute zero, converting 0 K to Celsius means subtracting 273.15, which results in -273.15°C. This is the lowest possible temperature, where particles have minimal energy.
Kelvin to Celsius Conversion
Result in celsius:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kelvin to celsius subtracts 273.15 from the kelvin temperature. It works because Kelvin and Celsius scales are offset by this constant, with Kelvin starting at absolute zero. For example, if you have 300 K, then 300 – 273.15 gives 26.85°C.
Conversion Example
- Convert 50 Kelvin:
- Start with 50 K
- Subtract 273.15 from 50
- 50 – 273.15 = -223.15°C
- Result is -223.15 Celsius
- Convert 273 Kelvin:
- Start with 273 K
- Subtract 273.15 from 273
- 273 – 273.15 = -0.15°C
- Result is -0.15 Celsius
- Convert 1000 Kelvin:
- Start with 1000 K
- Subtract 273.15 from 1000
- 1000 – 273.15 = 726.85°C
- Result is 726.85 Celsius
- Convert 0 Kelvin:
- Start with 0 K
- Subtract 273.15 from 0
- 0 – 273.15 = -273.15°C
- Result is -273.15 Celsius
Conversion Chart
| Kelvin (K) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| -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 |
This chart shows values from -25 to 25 Kelvin and their equivalent Celsius temperatures. Use it to quickly see conversions or find approximate Celsius readings for given Kelvin values by subtracting 273.15.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is the Celsius temperature when kelvin is 0?
- How do I convert 10 kelvin to Celsius?
- Is -273.15 Celsius the same as 0 kelvin?
- What is the freezing point of water in kelvin?
- Can I convert negative Kelvin temperatures to Celsius?
- What temperature is absolute zero in Celsius?
- How does Kelvin relate to Celsius in scientific measurements?
Conversion Definitions
Kelvin
Kelvin is a temperature scale starting at absolute zero, the point where particles have minimal energy. It uses the same degree size as Celsius but begins at zero, without negative values, and is mainly used in scientific contexts for precise temperature measurements.
Celsius
Celsius measures temperature based on water’s freezing point at 0°C and boiling point at 100°C under standard conditions. It is widely used in everyday life and scientific settings, with positive and negative values indicating above or below freezing temperatures.
Conversion FAQs
Why is absolute zero in Celsius negative?
Absolute zero in Celsius is -273.15°C because this is the temperature where particles stop moving, and Celsius scale is offset from Kelvin by 273.15. Since 0 K equals -273.15°C, it appears negative in Celsius.
Can the kelvin scale go below zero?
No, kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is 0 K. Temperatures below absolute zero are physically impossible because they would mean particles have less than zero energy, violating thermodynamic principles.
What practical uses are there for converting kelvin to Celsius?
Scientists and engineers convert kelvin to Celsius to relate temperature data to everyday references like weather, cooking, and laboratory conditions, making the data more understandable for practical applications.
