273 kelvin equals -0.15 degrees celsius.
Kelvin and celsius scales are related by a simple subtraction of 273.15; this means to convert kelvin to celsius, you subtract 273.15 from the kelvin temperature. Since 273 kelvin is slightly less than 273.15, the resulting celsius value turns out negative.
Conversion Tool
Result in celsius:
Conversion Formula
To convert kelvin to celsius, subtract 273.15 from the kelvin temperature. The formula is:
Celsius (°C) = Kelvin (K) – 273.15
This works because both kelvin and celsius scales have the same size degree, but their zero points differ. Kelvin starts at absolute zero (0 K), while celsius starts at water’s freezing point (0 °C). Since absolute zero is 273.15 degrees below freezing water, subtracting 273.15 adjusts for this offset.
Example calculation for 273 K:
- Start with 273 kelvin
- Subtract 273.15: 273 – 273.15 = -0.15
- The result is -0.15 °C
Conversion Example
- Convert 300 K to Celsius:
- 300 – 273.15 = 26.85 °C
- So, 300 kelvin equals 26.85 celsius.
- Convert 260 K to Celsius:
- 260 – 273.15 = -13.15 °C
- This means 260 kelvin is -13.15 celsius.
- Convert 280 K to Celsius:
- 280 – 273.15 = 6.85 °C
- Therefore, 280 kelvin equals 6.85 celsius.
- Convert 250 K to Celsius:
- 250 – 273.15 = -23.15 °C
- So, 250 kelvin is -23.15 celsius.
Conversion Chart
| Kelvin (K) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| 248.0 | -25.15 |
| 252.0 | -21.15 |
| 256.0 | -17.15 |
| 260.0 | -13.15 |
| 264.0 | -9.15 |
| 268.0 | -5.15 |
| 272.0 | -1.15 |
| 273.0 | -0.15 |
| 274.0 | 0.85 |
| 278.0 | 4.85 |
| 282.0 | 8.85 |
| 286.0 | 12.85 |
| 290.0 | 16.85 |
| 294.0 | 20.85 |
| 298.0 | 24.85 |
This chart shows kelvin temperatures in the left column and their corresponding celsius values in the right. To use it, find the kelvin temperature you want and read across to see the equivalent celsius temperature, helpful for quick reference without calculation.
Related Conversion Questions
- How cold is 273 kelvin in celsius?
- What does 273 kelvin convert to celsius degrees?
- Is 273 kelvin above or below zero celsius?
- How do you calculate celsius from 273 kelvin?
- Why is 273 kelvin nearly zero celsius?
- What temperature in celsius corresponds to 273 kelvin?
- Can 273 kelvin be negative in celsius scale?
Conversion Definitions
Kelvin: Kelvin is the absolute temperature scale used in science and engineering, starting at absolute zero where particles have minimum thermal motion. Defined without degrees, kelvin units measure temperature with the same scale size as celsius, shifted so zero kelvin equals -273.15 °C.
Celsius: Celsius is a temperature scale based on the freezing and boiling points of water at sea level. Zero degrees celsius marks water’s freezing point, and 100 degrees celsius marks boiling. It’s widely used for daily temperature measurement and scientific work requiring a relative scale.
Conversion FAQs
Can kelvin values be negative?
No, kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (0 K), which is the lowest possible temperature. Negative kelvin doesn’t exist physically because it would imply less than absolute zero energy, which isn’t possible.
Why subtract 273.15 instead of 273 when converting?
The exact offset between kelvin and celsius is 273.15, not 273. Using 273.15 accounts for the precise difference between absolute zero and water’s freezing point. Using 273 only gives an approximate conversion.
Is water freezing temperature exactly 273 kelvin?
Water freezes at 273.15 kelvin exactly under standard atmospheric pressure. 273 kelvin is slightly lower, so water would be just below freezing at that temperature.
Are kelvin and celsius increments equal in size?
Yes, both kelvin and celsius scales have equal size increments. The difference is only in where zero is set. This makes conversion by simple addition or subtraction possible.
How does temperature in kelvin relate to everyday weather?
Kelvin scale is mostly used in scientific contexts, while everyday weather reports use celsius or fahrenheit. To understand weather in kelvin, convert to celsius by subtracting 273.15 to get more familiar values.
