Celsius to Kelvin

Although initially defined by the freezing point of water (and later the melting point of ice), the Celsius scale is now officially a derived scale, defined in relation to the Kelvin temperature scale.

Zero on the Celsius scale (0°C) is now defined as the equivalent to 273.15K, with a temperature difference of 1 deg C equivalent to a difference of 1K, meaning the unit size in each scale is the same. This means that 100°C, previously defined as the boiling point of water, is now defined as the equivalent to 373.15K.

Celsius

The Celsius scale is an interval system but not a ratio system, meaning it follows a relative scale but not an absolute scale. This can be seen because the temperature interval between 20°C and 30°C is the same as between 30°C and 40°C, but 40°C does not have twice the air heat energy of 20°C.

A temperature difference of 1 deg C is the equivalent of a temperature difference 1.8°F.

Celsius to Kelvin formula

K =°C+ 273.15

Kelvin

Based upon the definitions of the Centigrade scale and the experimental evidence that absolute zero is -273.15ºC.

Celsius and Kelvin are the two most important temperature scales for scientific measurements. Fortunately, it's easy to convert between them because the two scales have the same size degree. All that is needed to convert Celsius to Kelvin is one simple step.

Celsius to Kelvin Conversion Formula

Take your Celsius temperature and add 273.15.

K = °C + 273.15

Your answer will be in Kelvin.

Remember, the Kelvin temperature scale does not use the degree (°) symbol. The reason is because Kelvin is an absolute scale, based on absolute zero, while the zero on the Celsius scale is based on the properties of water.

Also, measurements given in Kelvin will always be larger numbers than in Celsius.

Celsius to Kelvin Conversion Examples

For example, if you want to know what 20°C is in Kelvin:

K = 20 + 273.15 = 293.15 K

If you want to know what -25.7°C is in Kelvin:

K = -25.7 + 273.15, which may be rewritten as:

K = 273.15 - 25.7 = 247.45 K

 

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