Celsius to Kelvin

The Kelvin scale uses the same size degree interval as Celsius, but it starts at absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature. Because absolute zero is 273.15 degrees below 0°C, you convert Celsius to Kelvin by adding 273.15. This makes Kelvin a non-negative scale that is especially useful in science and thermodynamics.

Use this conversion whenever a temperature is given in Celsius but needs to be used in scientific calculations, especially in physics, chemistry, or gas law problems. It is also used when temperatures must be reported on the absolute Kelvin scale.

• Subtracting 273.15 instead of adding it
• Using 273 instead of 273.15 when the extra precision matters
• Writing the answer with a degree symbol, like 298.15°C, instead of K