Temperature Scales Explained
Unlike length or weight, temperature scales start at different "zero" points.Celsius sets 0° at freezing water, while Kelvin sets 0 at "Absolute Zero"—the point where all atomic motion stops.
[Image of Kelvin vs Celsius vs Fahrenheit scale]Scale Comparison
Kelvin
K
373 K
273 K
0 K
Celsius
°C
100°
0°
-273°
Fahrenheit
°F
212°
32°
-460°
Scales align at different points. Kelvin is shifted so 0 is Absolute Zero.
Kelvin Conversion Formulas
Scientists and engineers often need to convert Kelvin to "Degrees" (Celsius or Fahrenheit). Note that Kelvin is never referred to as "degrees," just "Kelvin" (e.g., 300 K).
Kelvin to Celsius (°C)
°C = K - 273.15
Simply subtract 273.15.
Kelvin to Fahrenheit (°F)
°F = (K - 273.15) × 1.8 + 32
Convert to Celsius first, then to Fahrenheit.
Common Temperature Points
| Event | Kelvin | Celsius | Fahrenheit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Absolute Zero | 0 K | -273.15°C | -459.67°F |
| Water Freezes | 273.15 K | 0°C | 32°F |
| Human Body | 310.15 K | 37°C | 98.6°F |
| Water Boils | 373.15 K | 100°C | 212°F |