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Kelvin to Celsius Converter

Convert Kelvin (K) to Celsius (°C) instantly and accurately with our free temperature conversion calculator

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How to Convert Kelvin to Celsius

Kelvin and Celsius are two temperature scales commonly used in science, engineering, and everyday life. Kelvin (K) is the SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature and starts at absolute zero (0 K), the coldest possible temperature. Celsius (°C), also known as centigrade, is widely used around the world and is based on the freezing point (0°C) and boiling point (100°C) of water at standard atmospheric pressure. Our Kelvin to Celsius converter makes it easy to convert temperatures between these two scales instantly and accurately.

The conversion formula is simple: °C = K - 273.15. To convert Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature. For example, 300 K = 300 - 273.15 = 26.85°C. The Kelvin scale is an absolute temperature scale that starts at absolute zero (0 K = -273.15°C), where all molecular motion stops. Unlike Celsius and Fahrenheit, Kelvin has no negative values. The size of one Kelvin is exactly the same as one degree Celsius, meaning a change of 1 K equals a change of 1°C.

This conversion is essential in many fields: scientific research and laboratory work, physics and chemistry calculations, engineering and thermodynamics, meteorology and climate science, astronomy and space science, and industrial processes. Kelvin is the preferred unit for scientific work because it starts at absolute zero and avoids negative numbers. Celsius is more intuitive for everyday use and is the standard temperature scale in most countries. Understanding how to convert between Kelvin and Celsius allows you to work across different contexts and communicate temperature measurements effectively.

Example Conversions

Absolute zero: 0 K = -273.15°C (the coldest possible temperature). Water freezing point: 273.15 K = 0°C. Room temperature: 293.15 K = 20°C. Human body temperature: 310.15 K = 37°C. Water boiling point: 373.15 K = 100°C. Typical oven temperature: 473.15 K = 200°C.

Our Kelvin to Celsius calculator provides instant, accurate conversions. Simply enter the temperature in Kelvin, and the calculator will display the equivalent temperature in Celsius. The formula °C = K - 273.15 is built in, so you don't need to do any manual calculations. Whether you're a student, scientist, engineer, or just curious about temperature scales, our converter makes temperature conversion quick and easy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The formula is: °C = K - 273.15. Simply subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature to get the temperature in Celsius. For example, 300 K - 273.15 = 26.85°C.
273.15 is the difference between the zero points of the two scales. Absolute zero (0 K) corresponds to -273.15°C. Both scales use the same size unit (1 K = 1°C), so the conversion is just a shift of 273.15 units.
No. The Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (0 K), the lowest possible temperature where all molecular motion stops. There are no negative Kelvin temperatures. In contrast, Celsius can be negative (below the freezing point of water).
0 Kelvin (absolute zero) equals -273.15°C. This is the coldest possible temperature in the universe, where all thermal motion ceases.
Use Kelvin for scientific and engineering calculations, especially in thermodynamics, physics, and chemistry. Kelvin is the SI base unit and avoids negative numbers. Use Celsius for everyday temperatures, weather, cooking, and general use in most countries outside the United States.
Yes, this converter is completely free to use. No registration or payment is required. Simply enter the temperature in Kelvin to get an instant conversion to Celsius.