How to convert degrees Celsius to kelvins
K = °C × 1 + 273.15
K = °C + 273.15 exactly (SI Brochure: t/°C = T/K − 273.15). A kelvin and a degree Celsius are the same size, so only the zero point shifts.
Examples
- -18 °C = 255.15 K: FDA's recommended freezer temperature, as given in Celsius (U.S. FDA)
- -273.15 °C = 0 K: Absolute zero, the bottom of the kelvin scale (BIPM)
- 25 °C = 298.15 K: A warm room
Celsius to kelvin chart
| Degrees Celsius (°C) | Kelvins (K) |
|---|---|
| -273.15 °C | 0 K |
| -40 °C | 233.15 K |
| -20 °C | 253.15 K |
| -18 °C | 255.15 K |
| -10 °C | 263.15 K |
| 0 °C | 273.15 K |
| 10 °C | 283.15 K |
| 20 °C | 293.15 K |
| 25 °C | 298.15 K |
| 30 °C | 303.15 K |
| 37 °C | 310.15 K |
| 40 °C | 313.15 K |
| 100 °C | 373.15 K |
| 180 °C | 453.15 K |
| 200 °C | 473.15 K |
Common mistakes
- A change of 10 °C is also a change of 10 K. Only absolute temperatures need the 273.15 shift.