Convert celsius to kelvin
1 °C + 273.15 = 274.15 K
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Whether you're studying thermodynamics or just curious about temperature scales, converting between celsius and kelvin is simpler than you might think. These two scales share the same size degree but start at different points - like identical twins born 273.15 years apart. Let's break down this essential scientific conversion.
Unit definitions
What is a celsius (°C)?
Description: The celsius scale measures temperature using water's phase changes as reference points
Symbol: °C
Common uses: Weather reports, cooking, medical measurements
Definition: 0°C = water freezing point, 100°C = water boiling point (at sea level)
What is a kelvin (K)?
Description: The kelvin is the SI base unit for thermodynamic temperature
Symbol: K (no degree symbol used)
Common uses: Scientific research, physics equations, chemistry experiments
Definition: 0K = absolute zero (-273.15°C), triple point of water at 273.16K
Conversion formula
The magic number here is 273.15. To convert:
Celsius to Kelvin:
K = °C + 273.15
Kelvin to Celsius:
°C = K - 273.15
Let's put this into practice with two real-world examples:
- Room temperature (25°C) to Kelvin:
25 + 273.15 = 298.15K
That's why "standard temperature" in chemistry is 298K - Absolute zero in Celsius:
0K - 273.15 = -273.15°C
The coldest possible temperature in our universe
Conversion tables
Common celsius to kelvin values
| Celsius | Kelvin |
|---|---|
| -273.15 | 0.00 |
| 0 | 273.15 |
| 25 | 298.15 |
| 100 | 373.15 |
| 500 | 773.15 |
Kelvin to celsius equivalents
| Kelvin | Celsius |
|---|---|
| 0 | -273.15 |
| 273.15 | 0.00 |
| 300 | 26.85 |
| 373.15 | 100.00 |
| 1000 | 726.85 |
Historical context
The celsius scale has an interesting origin story. Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius proposed his temperature scale in 1742, but here's the twist - he originally set boiling point at 0°C and freezing at 100°C! The scale was reversed after his death to teh version we use today.
The kelvin scale came much later, developed in 1848 by William Thomson (Lord Kelvin). His work on absolute temperature measurements revolutionized thermodynamics. Unlike celsius, kelvin doesn't use "degrees" because it's an absolute scale rather than a relative one.
Interesting facts
- The kelvin is the only SI unit named after an Irish physicist
- At 0K (-273.15°C), molecular motion theoretically stops completely
- The cosmic microwave background of space is about 2.725K
- Triple point of water (273.16K) defines the kelvin scale
- Most lab thermometers show both scales for scientific convenience
FAQ
The Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C), so adding 273.15 aligns the Celsius temperature with this baseline.
No - absolute zero (0K) is the coldest possible temperature. Negative Kelvin values would violate thermodynamics laws.
Celsius uses water's freezing/boiling points as reference, while Kelvin uses absolute zero for scientific calculations.
Almost never - Kelvin is mainly used in physics and chemistry. Weather forecasts use Celsius or Fahrenheit for practicality.
Yes - convert Fahrenheit to Celsius first, then add 273.15 to get Kelvin for accurate results.