MeasureCalc

Convert Celsius (°C) to Kelvin (K)

Category: Temperature

273.15 kelvin

0 celsius = 273.15 kelvin

Precision: 6 decimals; very small non-zero results use significant digits.

How to convert celsius (°c) to kelvin (k)

Temperature scales combine ratios and offsets. Kelvin is absolute (no negative values), Celsius offsets Kelvin by 273.15, and Fahrenheit uses a different step and zero point. Because offsets exist, temperature conversions require both a factor and an addition/subtraction.

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Quick conversion table

Handy values for Celsius (°C) to Kelvin (K). Click a value to calculate that result.

Celsius (°C) Kelvin (K)
273.15
274.15
373.15
1273.15

Conversion formula

Use the following formula:

K = °C + 273.15

Temperature conversions use exact affine formulas (ratio + offset).

Common mistakes

  • Using only a ratio (×1.8 or ×0.555…) without adding/subtracting the offset (±32, +273.15).
  • Rounding too early; convert first, then round to the desired precision.

Unit facts

  • Celsius (°C): Celsius (°C) is an offset scale: 0 °C at water’s freezing point, 100 °C at boiling (1 atm).
  • Kelvin (K): Kelvin (K) is the absolute thermodynamic scale; SI base unit for temperature.

About Celsius (°C)

Celsius (°C)

Offset scale with 0 °C at water’s freezing point and 100 °C at boiling (at 1 atm). Converts to Kelvin by adding 273.15. Widely used in daily weather and science.

History: Named for Anders Celsius (1740s). Redefined through absolute thermodynamic scales as metrology advanced.

About Kelvin (K)

Kelvin (K)

Absolute SI scale starting at 0 K with no negative values. Used for thermodynamics, cryogenics, and color temperature (K).

History: Defined via the Boltzmann constant since 2019, linking temperature directly to energy at the particle level.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert Celsius (°C) to Kelvin (K)?
Enter the temperature in Celsius (°C) and the calculator will apply the exact conversion formula to return the result in Kelvin (K).
Is Celsius (°C) to Kelvin (K) conversion exact?
Yes. Temperature conversions use exact affine formulas with a ratio and an offset.
Why does temperature conversion depend on the input value?
Unlike linear unit conversions, temperature scales do not start at the same zero point, so the conversion includes an offset.

Convert Celsius (°C) to other units

Convert other units to Kelvin (K)