1 Kelvin to Celsius is -272.15°C
The temperature of 1 kelvin converts to approximately -272.15 degrees Celsius. This is because the kelvin and Celsius scales are related through their zero points, with kelvin starting at absolute zero. To convert, you subtract 273.15 from the kelvin value, which shifts the scale to Celsius.
Understanding the Kelvin to Celsius Conversion
The conversion from kelvin to Celsius involves a simple subtraction because both scales are aligned in the same direction but have different starting points. Kelvin begins at absolute zero, the point where particles have minimum thermal motion, whereas Celsius’s zero point is based on the freezing point of water. The formula is straightforward: Celsius = Kelvin – 273.15. For example, converting 1 kelvin involves subtracting 273.15, resulting in -272.15°C.
Conversion Tool
Result in c:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert kelvin to Celsius is Celsius = Kelvin – 273.15. This works because the Kelvin scale is offset from Celsius by 273.15 degrees. When you subtract 273.15 from a Kelvin temperature, you shift the scale so that zero Celsius aligns with water’s freezing point. For example, 300 K minus 273.15 equals 26.85°C.
Conversion Example
- Convert 10 kelvin to Celsius:
- Start with the formula: Celsius = 10 – 273.15
- Subtract 273.15 from 10
- Result: -263.15°C
- Convert 100 kelvin to Celsius:
- Apply the formula: 100 – 273.15
- Subtract 273.15 from 100
- Result: -173.15°C
- Convert 273.15 kelvin to Celsius:
- Using the formula: 273.15 – 273.15
- Subtract 273.15 from 273.15
- Result: 0°C (freezing point of water)
- Convert 373.15 kelvin to Celsius:
- Apply the formula: 373.15 – 273.15
- Subtract 273.15 from 373.15
- Result: 100°C (boiling point of water)
Conversion Chart
The table below shows kelvin temperatures and their Celsius equivalents. Use this chart to quickly find the Celsius temperature for specific kelvin values or to compare several. Read the table by locating your kelvin value in the first column and then checking the corresponding Celsius value in the second column.
| Kelvin (K) | Celsius (°C) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | -297.15 |
| -20.0 | -293.15 |
| -10.0 | -283.15 |
| 0.0 | -273.15 |
| 10.0 | -263.15 |
| 20.0 | -253.15 |
| 50.0 | -223.15 |
| 100.0 | -173.15 |
| 150.0 | -123.15 |
| 200.0 | -73.15 |
| 250.0 | -23.15 |
| 273.15 | 0.0 |
| 300.0 | 26.85 |
| 350.0 | 76.85 |
| 400.0 | 126.85 |
| 500.0 | 226.85 |
| 600.0 | 326.85 |
| 700.0 | 426.85 |
| 800.0 | 526.85 |
| 900.0 | 626.85 |
| 1000.0 | 726.85 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How many Celsius degrees are in 1 kelvin?
- What is the Celsius equivalent of 1 kelvin?
- Can I convert 1 kelvin to Celsius without a calculator?
- What is the freezing point of water in kelvin and Celsius?
- How does temperature change when converting from kelvin to Celsius at low values?
- Is 1 kelvin colder than -273.15°C?
- What is the significance of 1 kelvin in thermodynamics?
Conversion Definitions
Kelvin: The kelvin (K) is the base unit of temperature in the International System of Units, starting at absolute zero where particles have minimum thermal motion. It is used in scientific measurements and has no degree symbol. Zero kelvin equals -273.15°C.
Celsius: The Celsius (°C) is a temperature scale based on water’s freezing point (0°C) and boiling point (100°C) at standard atmospheric pressure. It is widely used in everyday life, with water freezing at 0°C and boiling at 100°C under normal conditions.
Conversion FAQs
Why does subtracting 273.15 convert kelvin to Celsius?
This subtraction aligns the kelvin scale with Celsius because Celsius zero point is set at the freezing point of water, which is 273.15 kelvin above absolute zero. By subtracting 273.15, you shift the scale from absolute to water-based reference.
Can I convert negative kelvin temperatures to Celsius?
No, because kelvin temperatures cannot be negative, as absolute zero is the lowest theoretical temperature. Therefore, all Kelvin values are zero or above, and conversion to Celsius will always result in zero or positive/negative numbers depending on the value.
Does the conversion formula change if measuring in different units?
The formula remains the same regardless of units because the Kelvin and Celsius scales are standardized. Only the numerical value changes, but the subtraction of 273.15 is constant for converting kelvin to Celsius.
What is the significance of absolute zero in temperature scales?
Absolute zero, 0 kelvin, represents the temperature where particles reach minimal thermal motion, and no further cooling is possible. It is the lower limit of thermodynamic temperature and forms the zero point of the Kelvin scale.