Kelvin to Celsius Converter - Convert K to °C

About Kelvin to Celsius Conversion

Converting Kelvin to Celsius is essential when translating scientific data into more familiar temperature units. This conversion is commonly needed in laboratory reports, engineering applications, and educational contexts.

Conversion Formula

°C = K - 273.15

Example: 293.15K = 293.15 - 273.15 = 20°C

Quick Reference Table

Kelvin (K)	Celsius (°C)
0K	-273.15°C
73.15K	-200°C
173.15K	-100°C
273.15K	0°C
293.15K	20°C
310.15K	37°C
373.15K	100°C
1273.15K	1000°C

Common Uses

• Laboratory Reports: Converting scientific measurements to familiar units
• Engineering: Material testing and thermal analysis results
• Education: Teaching temperature concepts and thermodynamics
• Research: Presenting findings in accessible temperature units
• Quality Control: Industrial process monitoring and reporting

Understanding Absolute Zero

Absolute Zero (0K = -273.15°C):

• The theoretical lowest possible temperature
• All molecular motion theoretically stops
• Cannot be reached in practice, only approached
• Fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and thermodynamics
• Used as the zero point for the Kelvin scale

Scientific Context

The Kelvin scale is used in scientific calculations because it's an absolute scale, but Celsius is often more intuitive for understanding and communicating results:

• Data Presentation: Research papers often show both K and °C
• Industrial Applications: Process temperatures in familiar units
• Safety Protocols: Temperature limits in understandable terms
• Environmental Science: Climate data in accessible formats

Conversion Tips

• Always subtract 273.15 to convert from Kelvin to Celsius
• Remember: 0K = -273.15°C (absolute zero)
• For rough calculations, 273 is often used instead of 273.15
• Room temperature: 293K ≈ 20°C is a useful reference
• Kelvin values are always positive; negative results indicate calculation errors