How to Convert Celsius to Kelvin

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. (Note it's "Celsius", not "Celcius", a common mis-spelling.)

Celsius to Kelvin Conversion Formula

Take your Celsius temperature and add 273.15.

K = °C + 273.15
Your answer will be in Kelvin.

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Celsius to Kelvin Temperature Conversion Example

By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

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

More Temperature Conversion Examples

It's just as easy to convert Kelvin into Celsius. Another important temperature scale is the Fahrenheit scale. If you use this scale, you should be familiar with how to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit and Kelvin to Fahrenheit.