Many physics and chemistry problems require you to convert Celsius to Kelvin to get an absolute temperature.
Celsius to Kelvin Formula
Convert Celsius to Kelvin using a simple formula:
K = ºC + 273.15
where
K is the temperature in Kelvin
°C is the temperature in Celsius
For most situations, you can drop the decimal portion of the conversion:
K = ºC + 273
Remember, the Kelvin temperature scale does not use the degree (°) symbol, just the abbreviation K.
Celsius to Kelvin Conversion Example
Example Problem:
Liquid oxygen boils at normal pressure at -182.96 °C. What is this temperature in Kelvin?
Solution:
K = ºC + 273.15
K = -182.96 + 273.15
K = 90.19 K
Answer:
Liquid oxygen boils at 90.19 K under normal pressure.
More Temperature Conversions
For more help, try these other temperature conversion example problems:
- Convert Kelvin to Celsius Example Problem
- Convert Celsius to Fahrenheit Example Problem
- Convert Fahrenheit to Celsius Example Problem
- When Does Fahrenheit Equal Celsius?