Kelvin to Celsius converter
Provide a temperature below to convert Kelvin (K) to Celsius (°C). For the reverse direction, visit the Celsius to Kelvin converter.
To convert Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin temperature. The formula is: °C = K - 273.15.
For example, 273.15 K equals 0°C, the freezing point of water. 373.15 K equals 100°C, the boiling point of water at sea level. Absolute zero is 0 K, which equals -273.15°C.
Kelvin
Definition: Kelvin (symbol: K) is the SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature. It is defined by setting the fixed numerical value of the Boltzmann constant. Absolute zero is 0 K.
History: The Kelvin scale was proposed by William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, in 1848. It uses the same magnitude as Celsius degrees but starts at absolute zero, the theoretical lowest possible temperature.
Current use: Kelvin is the primary unit of temperature in physical sciences and engineering. It is widely used in scientific research, particularly in physics and chemistry, where absolute temperature measurements are essential.
Celsius
Definition: Celsius (symbol: °C) is a temperature scale based on the freezing point of water at 0°C and the boiling point at 100°C under standard atmospheric pressure.
History: The Celsius scale was developed by Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius in 1742. Originally, he set 0° as the boiling point and 100° as the freezing point, but this was later reversed. The scale is named in his honor.
Current use: Celsius is the primary temperature scale used worldwide, particularly in scientific contexts and in most countries for everyday temperature measurements. It is the standard scale in the metric system.
| Kelvin [K] | Celsius [°C] |
|---|---|
| 0 K | -273.15 °C |
| 100 K | -173.15 °C |
| 200 K | -73.15 °C |
| 273.15 K | 0 °C |
| 298.15 K | 25 °C |
| 310.15 K | 37 °C |
| 373.15 K | 100 °C |
| 773.15 K | 500 °C |
| 1273.15 K | 1000 °C |