Free Temperature Converter

Convert Kelvin to Celsius

Easily convert Kelvin to Celsius using the official Kelvin to Celsius formula °C = K − 273.15. Enter any number below to calculate your K to C conversion. You will get the answer, the math shown step by step, and some real examples.

0 K = −273.15°C 273.15 K = 0°C 310.15 K = 37°C 373.15 K = 100°C
Celsius
0 °C
Freezing point
Formula:
°C = K − 273.15
273.15 − 273.15 = 0°C
0 K = −273.15°C
Absolute zero
273.15 K = 0°C
Water freezes
310.15 K = 37°C
Human body temp
373.15 K = 100°C
Water boils
Reference

Kelvin to Celsius Conversion Table

Need a quick answer without using our Kelvin to Celsius calculator? Use this conversion chart to find common temperatures. It shows everything from absolute zero up to extreme heat so you can skip the math.

Kelvin (K) Celsius (°C)
0 K −273.15°C
77.15 K −196°C
233.15 K −40°C
253.15 K −20°C
273.15 K 0°C
293.15 K 20°C
298.15 K 25°C
310.15 K 37°C
323.15 K 50°C
333.15 K 60°C
373.15 K 100°C
473.15 K 200°C
1273.15 K 1000°C
5778.15 K 5505°C
The Math

The Kelvin to Celsius Equation

°C = K − 273.15

If you are wondering how do you convert from Kelvin to Celsius, the process is simple. Both temperature scales use the exact same step size. You only need the formula for K to C, which tells you to subtract 273.15 from your starting number.

The Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero. Celsius starts 273.15 units higher. Because of that fixed starting difference, the conversion of Kelvin to Celsius formula does not need any multiplication or division.

Worked Examples

Room Temperature
293.15 − 273.15 = 20°C
Comfortable Indoor Climate
295.15 − 273.15 = 22°C
Scientific Standard
298.15 − 273.15 = 25°C
Body Temperature
310.15 − 273.15 = 37°C
Boiling Water
373.15 − 273.15 = 100°C

Reverse Operation

K = °C + 273.15

Working backward? Just add 273.15 to your Celsius number, or use our dedicated Celsius to Kelvin Converter →.

Step by Step

How to Convert Kelvin in Celsius

Are you thinking how do we convert Kelvin to Celsius on paper? Let's walk through how to change from Kelvin to Celsius step by step.

1
Find your starting temperature.
Example: 298.15 K
2
Apply the K to C formula. Subtract 273.15 from that number.
298.15 − 273.15 = 25
3
Write down your final result. You have successfully converted K to degrees C.
Answer: 25°C
Background

Understanding the Kelvin Scale to Celsius

Kelvin is a temperature scale used by scientists and engineers all over the world. It starts exactly at absolute zero. That is the coldest possible temperature in the universe.

Celsius is what you see every day for the weather or cooking. Because both systems move up at the exact same speed, doing a Kelvin to degree Celsius conversion is easy. You just adjust the starting point by subtracting 273.15.

Extended Reference

Quick K to C Conversion Chart

Browse through common temperatures below. Click any pair to load it into the calculator.

0 K−273.15°C
77.15 K−196°C
233.15 K−40°C
253.15 K−20°C
263.15 K−10°C
273.15 K0°C
283.15 K10°C
288.15 K15°C
293.15 K20°C
294.15 K21°C
295.15 K22°C
296.15 K23°C
298.15 K25°C
300.15 K27°C
303.15 K30°C
310.15 K37°C
313.15 K40°C
323.15 K50°C
333.15 K60°C
343.15 K70°C
353.15 K80°C
363.15 K90°C
373.15 K100°C
423.15 K150°C
473.15 K200°C
FAQ

Kelvin to Celsius FAQs

The formula to convert K to C is °C = K − 273.15. You use this exact conversion Kelvin to Celsius formula anytime you need to find the temperature in Celsius.
If you need to know how to convert from Kelvin to Celsius, just write down your Kelvin number and subtract 273.15. The result you get is your K to C conversion.
To change Kelvin to Celsius, do a little bit of math. For example, to convert degrees K to C if you have 300 K, you calculate 300 − 273.15 to get 26.85°C.
If you look up 0 K to C, the answer is −273.15°C. This is known as absolute zero.
For 100 Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from 100. You get −173.15°C.
Converting 273 K to C gives you −0.15°C. Meanwhile, 273.15 K to C gives you exactly 0°C, which is the temperature where water freezes.
To find 300 K to C, you subtract 273.15 from 300. The answer is 26.85°C.
People often search for the degree Kelvin to degree Celsius formula, but Kelvin doesn't actually use a degree symbol. You write it as K instead of °K. Even without the symbol, the math to convert Kelvin to degree Celsius stays exactly the same.
For 1 Kelvin to Celsius, use the K to C equation. When you calculate 1 − 273.15, you get −272.15°C.

Related Temperature Tools

Celsius to Fahrenheit Fahrenheit to Celsius Celsius to Kelvin Fahrenheit to Kelvin Kelvin to Fahrenheit