How to Convert Celsius to Kelvin
Converting Celsius to Kelvin is essential in scientific applications. Kelvin is the SI unit of temperature and is used in physics, chemistry, and engineering calculations.
-20.0 °C = 253.15 K
To convert Celsius to Kelvin, simply add 273.15 to the Celsius value. That's it!
Step-by-Step
- Start with your value: -20.0 °C
- Add 273.15
- Result: 253.15 K
Formula: K = °C + 273.15
💡 Memory Tip: 0°C = 273.15 K (water freezing). 100°C = 373.15 K (water boiling). Absolute zero = 0 K = -273.15°C.
Celsius to Kelvin Quick Reference
| °C | Kelvin | Common Reference |
|---|---|---|
| -273.15 | 0 | Absolute zero (coldest possible) |
| -40 | 233.15 | Same in both scales |
| 0 | 273.15 | Water freezing point |
| 20 | 293.15 | Room temperature |
| 37 | 310.15 | Body temperature |
| 100 | 373.15 | Water boiling point |
What does -20 celsius look like in real life?
Real-world objects and measurements that are approximately -20 degree celsius (253.15 kelvin) — useful for visualizing the size of -20 degree celsius without a ruler:
- a freezer at full cold
- an extremely cold winter day in Canada/Finland
Understanding Celsius and Kelvin
What is a Degree Celsius?
The degree Celsius (°C) is a unit of temperature on the Celsius scale, a temperature scale originally based on 0°C for the freezing point of water and 100°C for the boiling point of water at 1 atmosphere of pressure.
Learn more about celsius on Wikipedia →
What is a Kelvin?
The Kelvin (K) is the base unit of temperature in the International System of Units (SI), defined as 1/273.16 of the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water. Unlike Celsius and Fahrenheit, the Kelvin scale has no negative values.
Learn more about kelvin on Wikipedia →
Common Uses of Celsius
Weather reports in most countries, Cooking and baking (ovens), Medical temperature (body temp), Scientific measurements.
Key Conversion Points
- 0 K = -273.15°C (absolute zero)
- 273.15 K = 0°C (freezing)
- 293.15 K = 20°C (room temp)
- 310.15 K = 37°C (body temp)
- 373.15 K = 100°C (boiling)
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Frequently Asked Questions
-20 °C equals 253.15 K. Formula: K = °C + 273.15
K = °C + 273.15
For -20°C: -20 + 273.15 = 253.15 K
-20 °C = -4.00 °F. Formula: (°C × 9/5) + 32
Absolute zero = 0 K = -273.15°C. This is the coldest possible temperature where all molecular motion stops.
No, Kelvin cannot be negative. 0 K is absolute zero - the lowest possible temperature. Negative Kelvin would mean less than nothing!
