How to Convert Kelvin to Celsius (K to °C)
Temperature conversions help with American oven recipes in Fahrenheit, weather apps set to the wrong unit, and science homework that uses kelvin. This guide shows how to convert kelvin into celsius by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
Temperature scales have different zero points, so you cannot use a single multiplier. Convert through kelvin: K converted through kelvin: ((K)-273.15).
K converted through kelvin: ((K)-273.15)
Worked examples
- 15 K = -258.15 °C
- 32 K = -241.15 °C
- 100 K = -173.15 °C
Kelvin to Celsius table
| Kelvin | Celsius |
|---|---|
| -40 K | -313.15 °C |
| -10 K | -283.15 °C |
| 0 K | -273.15 °C |
| 10 K | -263.15 °C |
| 20 K | -253.15 °C |
| 25 K | -248.15 °C |
| 30 K | -243.15 °C |
| 37 K | -236.15 °C |
| 50 K | -223.15 °C |
| 100 K | -173.15 °C |
| 200 K | -73.15 °C |
Common questions
Is K to °C exact?
The factors used here are the internationally defined values where they exist; results are rounded for display only.
How do I convert back?
Use the Celsius to Kelvin converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Mixing similar-sounding units
US and imperial gallons, pints and tons are different sizes, and decimal kilobytes differ from binary kibibytes.
Multiplying when you should divide
Converting to a smaller unit gives a bigger number, and converting to a larger unit gives a smaller one. If your answer moves the wrong way, you have inverted the factor.
Rounding the factor too early
Using 3 instead of 3.28 for feet per metre introduces an error of almost 9% before you have started.
Background
For everyday use, three or four significant figures are usually enough. Engineering, science and trade documents may need more, and rounding should happen only at the end of a calculation.
A conversion table is handy for common values, but a calculator is faster and avoids interpolation errors for anything in between.
Many conversion factors are exact by definition. The inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres since 1959, and the pound as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms, so conversions involving them can be as precise as you need.
For any value, use the Kelvin to Celsius Converter or browse all temperature converters.
Run your own numbers: Kelvin to Celsius Converter