1 degree Celsius is equal to 274.15 kelvin.
To switch from Celsius to kelvin, just add 273.15 to the Celsius value. So, for 1°C: 1 + 273.15 = 274.15 K. This is because kelvin and Celsius share the same degree size, but kelvin starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15°C. This makes the math really direct.
Conversion Tool
Result in kelvin:
Conversion Formula
The formula to switch Celsius to kelvin is:
K = °C + 273.15
This works because the kelvin scale is offset from Celsius by exactly 273.15. Both scales have increments of one degree per unit, so the only difference is the starting point — absolute zero. The math just shifts your Celsius value up by 273.15 units to get kelvin.
Example calculation for 1°C:
- Start with the Celsius value: 1
- Add 273.15: 1 + 273.15 = 274.15
- So, 1°C = 274.15 K
Conversion Example
- Convert -10°C to kelvin:
- Start with -10
- Add 273.15: -10 + 273.15 = 263.15
- Final answer: 263.15 K
- Convert 25°C to kelvin:
- Begin at 25
- Add 273.15: 25 + 273.15 = 298.15
- So, 25°C becomes 298.15 K
- Convert 0°C to kelvin:
- Start with 0
- Add 273.15: 0 + 273.15 = 273.15
- 0°C equals 273.15 K
- Convert 100°C to kelvin:
- Begin at 100
- Add 273.15: 100 + 273.15 = 373.15
- So, 100°C comes out to 373.15 K
Conversion Chart
This chart shows Celsius values from -24.0 to 26.0, with their matching kelvin values. Find your Celsius in the left column, then look right to see it in kelvin. This can help check your math or estimate a result quickly.
| Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|
| -24.0 | 249.15 |
| -22.0 | 251.15 |
| -20.0 | 253.15 |
| -18.0 | 255.15 |
| -16.0 | 257.15 |
| -14.0 | 259.15 |
| -12.0 | 261.15 |
| -10.0 | 263.15 |
| -8.0 | 265.15 |
| -6.0 | 267.15 |
| -4.0 | 269.15 |
| -2.0 | 271.15 |
| 0.0 | 273.15 |
| 2.0 | 275.15 |
| 4.0 | 277.15 |
| 6.0 | 279.15 |
| 8.0 | 281.15 |
| 10.0 | 283.15 |
| 12.0 | 285.15 |
| 14.0 | 287.15 |
| 16.0 | 289.15 |
| 18.0 | 291.15 |
| 20.0 | 293.15 |
| 22.0 | 295.15 |
| 24.0 | 297.15 |
| 26.0 | 299.15 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How do you calculate 1 Celsius to kelvin without a calculator?
- Is 1°C higher or lower than 1K on the kelvin scale?
- Why is 1 degree Celsius not the same as 1 kelvin?
- What would 1°C be in kelvin for scientific experiments?
- Can you convert negative Celsius to kelvin the same way as 1°C?
- What happens if you try to convert 1°C below absolute zero to kelvin?
- Do I just add 273.15 to 1°C for kelvin in all cases?
Conversion Definitions
c: Celsius, marked as °C, is a temperature scale where 0°C is the freezing point of water and 100°C is the boiling point. The scale is based on the metric system and used in science and everyday life worldwide. Each step on the scale is one degree of temperature.
kelvin: Kelvin, symbol K, is the SI base unit for temperature measurement. It starts at absolute zero, which is the coldest possible temperature, where all thermal motion stops. One kelvin is the same size as one Celsius degree, but kelvin has no negative numbers.
Conversion FAQs
Does converting Celsius to kelvin ever change the degree size?
No, the size of the degree stays identical. Both Celsius and kelvin increase by the same amount per step. You only need to shift the value up by 273.15, so the difference is just the starting point of the two scales.
If I input 1.5°C, will the tool still work?
Yes, the converter will accept decimal numbers like 1.5°C. It will add 273.15 to any value entered, so for 1.5°C, the answer is 274.65 K. You don’t need to round off unless your situation asks for it.
Is kelvin ever written with a degree symbol?
No, kelvin is written just as “K” without a degree symbol. For example, it’s 274.15 K, not 274.15°K. This is a rule set by the International System of Units. Only Celsius and Fahrenheit use the degree symbol.
Why do scientists use kelvin instead of Celsius?
Scientists use kelvin because it starts at absolute zero, which lines up with physical laws better. Mathematical formulas in thermodynamics and physics work best when zero means absolutely no heat at all, so kelvin avoids confusion, making it easier to do calculations.