Quick Answer: Kelvin to Celsius
0 K equals -273.15 °C, and 1 K equals -272.15 °C (°C = K − 273.15).
Conversely, 1 °C = 274.15 K.
Formula: °C = K − 273.15
Worked examples
- 0 K = -273.15 °C
- 100 K = -173.15 °C
- 200 K = -73.15 °C
Method and limitations
To convert Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin value. Calculations use full-precision constants; displayed values are rounded to at most 9 significant figures. Temperature scales use an offset, not a single multiplier, so you cannot scale results proportionally: doubling the input does not double the output.
Each factor is exact by definition, derived from exact definitions, or a documented conventional value — see the methodology and sources.
Conversion Formula
To convert Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin value.
Step-by-Step Conversion Guide
Follow these steps to convert kelvin to celsius manually:
Start with your value in kelvin
Example: You want to convert 200 K
Apply the conversion formula
Use the formula: °C = K − 273.15
Calculate the result
200 K = -73.15 °C
Verify your answer
Use our calculator above to double-check your manual calculation.
Quick Mental Math Tip
To convert Kelvin to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin value.
Common Conversions
| Kelvin (K) | Celsius (°C) | Celsius → Kelvin |
|---|---|---|
| 0 K | -273.15 | 0 °C = 273.15 K |
| 100 K | -173.15 | 100 °C = 373.15 K |
| 200 K | -73.15 | 200 °C = 473.15 K |
| 273.15 K | 0 | 273.15 °C = 546.3 K |
| 300 K | 26.85 | 300 °C = 573.15 K |
| 373.15 K | 100 | 373.15 °C = 646.3 K |
| 500 K | 226.85 | 500 °C = 773.15 K |
| 1000 K | 726.85 | 1000 °C = 1,273.15 K |
| 5000 K | 4,726.85 | 5000 °C = 5,273.15 K |
Did You Know?
Temperature conversion is the only unit conversion that isn't a simple multiplication — it involves both scaling and offsetting.
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Conversion factors on this page are either exact by definition, derived from exact definitions, or conventional values in documented use. Each is listed with its source in our conversion methodology and sources, which cites the BIPM SI Brochure, NIST Special Publication 811 and the relevant IEC or national standards. Results are rounded for display only; calculations use full precision.