How to Convert Temperatures From Kelvin to Celsius

Worked Temperature Unit Conversion Example

Usually you'll convert a Kelvin temperature to a Celsius value for calculations.
Malcolm Piers, Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
our editorial process
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Updated March 15, 2017

This example problem illustrates the method to convert temperatures from Kelvin to Celsius.

Kelvin To Celsius (K to C) Problem:

What is the temperature in °C of a 256 K object?

Solution:

The conversion formula for °C to K is

TC = (TK) - 273

TC = 256 - 273
TC = -17 °C

Answer:

The temperature in Celsius of a 256 K object is -17 °C.

Temperature Conversion Formulas