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.
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by Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
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.
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