°C to K Conversion Calculator
Click on the following link if you want to convert Kelvin to Celsius – K to °C
History
The Celsius scale was created in 1742 by Anders Celsius, a Swedish astronomer. He based his temperature scale on the freezing point (0°C) and boiling point (100°C) of water at standard pressure, making it easy to use for everyday life and science.
The Kelvin scale came later, introduced by William Thomson (Lord Kelvin) in 1848. It’s a scientific absolute temperature scale – meaning it starts at absolute zero, the coldest possible temperature where molecular motion stops.
Kelvin is part of the International System of Units (SI) and is widely used in physics, chemistry, and astronomy.
Common Usage
- Celsius (°C) is used in weather reports, cooking, and daily life across most of the world.
- Kelvin (K) is used in science and engineering, where absolute temperature is important.
For example, 0°C (the freezing point of water) equals 273.15 K.
Celsius to Kelvin Conversion Formula
The formula is very simple since both scales use the same degree size – they just have different starting points.
K = °C + 273.15
Example:
Convert 25°C to Kelvin.
25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K
So, 25°C equals 298.15 K.
Conversion Table
| Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|
| -273.15 °C | 0 K |
| -100 °C | 173.15 K |
| -50 °C | 223.15 K |
| 0 °C | 273.15 K |
| 25 °C | 298.15 K |
| 50 °C | 323.15 K |
| 75 °C | 348.15 K |
| 100 °C | 373.15 K |
| 150 °C | 423.15 K |
| 200 °C | 473.15 K |
Fun Facts
- 0 K (absolute zero) is the point where atoms stop moving – it’s the lowest possible temperature.
- The human body temperature of 37°C equals 310.15 K.
- Scientists prefer Kelvin because it avoids negative numbers for temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What’s the difference between Celsius and Kelvin?
They have the same interval size, but Kelvin starts at absolute zero, not the freezing point of water.
2. Why does Kelvin not use the degree symbol (°)?
Because it’s an absolute scale, not a relative one.
3. How do I convert 0°C to Kelvin?
0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K.
4. What’s room temperature in Kelvin?
About 293 K, which is roughly 20°C.
5. Can temperatures in Kelvin be negative?
No – 0 K is the coldest temperature possible.
