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Celsius to Kelvin (°C to K) Converter

1 °C = 274.15 K

1 Celsius equals 274.15 Kelvin (1 °C = 274.15 K). Convert Celsius to Kelvin with formula, table, and examples.

To convert Celsius to kelvin, simply add 273.15. This is the simplest temperature conversion because both scales use the same degree size - they differ only in their zero point. Kelvin is essential in science, while Celsius dominates everyday life in most countries.

How to Convert Celsius to Kelvin

K = °C + 273.15
Formula: Celsius to Kelvin
  1. Take your Celsius value
  2. Add 273.15
  3. The result is in Kelvin
  4. Read the result in Kelvin

Common Celsius to Kelvin Conversions

Celsius (°C) Kelvin (K) Status
-40 °C 233.15 K
-20 °C 253.15 K
-10 °C 263.15 K
0 °C 273.15 K
5 °C 278.15 K
10 °C 283.15 K
15 °C 288.15 K
20 °C 293.15 K
25 °C 298.15 K
30 °C 303.15 K
36 °C 309.15 K
37 °C 310.15 K
40 °C 313.15 K
50 °C 323.15 K
60 °C 333.15 K
80 °C 353.15 K
100 °C 373.15 K
150 °C 423.15 K
180 °C 453.15 K
200 °C 473.15 K
220 °C 493.15 K
250 °C 523.15 K
300 °C 573.15 K
500 °C 773.15 K
1,000 °C 1,273.15 K

Good to Know About Celsius to Kelvin Conversion

In everyday life, nobody uses kelvin - it's purely for science and engineering. But in physics classrooms worldwide, the conversion from Celsius to kelvin is one of the first things students learn.

Celsius to Kelvin: What You Need to Know

Room temperature of 20°C is 293.15 K. Water boils at 373.15 K (100°C) and freezes at 273.15 K (0°C). Scientists use kelvin for thermodynamic calculations, gas law equations, and expressing color temperature. When a recipe says 180°C and a physics formula needs kelvin, just add 273.15.

What is a Celsius? °C

A metric temperature scale where 0°C is the freezing point and 100°C is the boiling point of water. Used worldwide except in the US.

Metric weather cooking science
Learn more about Celsius →

What is a Kelvin? K

The SI base unit of temperature. 0 K is absolute zero, the theoretical lowest possible temperature. Used in science and engineering.

Metric physics chemistry engineering
Learn more about Kelvin →

Going the other way? Use our Kelvin to Celsius converter.

Celsius to Kelvin FAQ

  • Add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. For example, 25°C + 273.15 = 298.15 K. This is an exact offset - no multiplication needed because both scales have identical degree sizes.

  • The kelvin is an SI base unit, not a degree-based scale. Since 1967, it is written as simply 'K' without a degree symbol, unlike °C or °F. Writing '°K' is incorrect.

  • 0°C equals exactly 273.15 K. This is the freezing point of water at standard pressure and the offset between the two scales.

Non-Frequently Asked Questions About Celsius to Kelvin

Questions nobody should ask - but someone did.

  • It is Calvin Klein, not Kelvin Klein. Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) was a physicist who worked on thermodynamics. Calvin Klein makes underwear. Both are famous, but for very different contributions to human comfort.

  • In classical thermodynamics, no. Kelvin starts at absolute zero (0 K = minus 273.15 degrees Celsius) and only goes up. Some quantum physicists have argued about negative temperatures in exotic systems, but your freezer will never show minus 5 Kelvin.

Need the reverse? Use our Kelvin to Celsius converter. See all Temperature converters.