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.
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.
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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.