1 C to Kelvin – Easy Conversion Explained

1 degree Celsius is equal to 274.15 kelvin.

To convert a temperature from Celsius to kelvin, you just add 273.15 to the Celsius value. This is because kelvin and Celsius have the same size increment but kelvin starts at absolute zero. So, 1 °C + 273.15 = 274.15 K.

Conversion Tool

Conversion Formula

To convert Celsius (c) to kelvin (K), you use this formula:

K = °C + 273.15

This works because the kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15 °C. Each degree on both scales is the same size. So, to shift to kelvin, just add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature.

Example math for 1 °C:

• Start with the temperature in Celsius: 1 °C
• Add 273.15: 1 + 273.15 = 274.15
• So, 1 °C equals 274.15 K

Conversion Example

• Convert -15 °C to kelvin:
  • Begin with -15
  • Add 273.15, so: -15 + 273.15 = 258.15
  • Result: -15 °C = 258.15 K
• Convert 0 °C to kelvin:
  • Start with 0
  • Add 273.15, so: 0 + 273.15 = 273.15
  • 0 °C = 273.15 K
• Convert 25 °C to kelvin:
  • Start with 25
  • Add 273.15, so: 25 + 273.15 = 298.15
  • 25 °C = 298.15 K
• Convert 10.5 °C to kelvin:
  • 10.5 + 273.15 = 283.65
  • So, 10.5 °C = 283.65 K

Conversion Chart

The table below shows Celsius values from -24.0 to 26.0 with their kelvin equivalents. Read the left column for Celsius, and the right column gives kelvin. Use this when you want to compare or lookup a conversion quickly.

Related Conversion Questions

• What is 1 degree Celsius in kelvin exactly?
• If I have 1 °C, how do I convert it to kelvin?
• Is there a fast way to find kelvin for 1 c?
• How much is 1 c on the kelvin scale?
• Why do you add 273.15 when changing 1 c to kelvin?
• Can I use a calculator to change 1 degree Celsius to kelvin?
• Is 1 c considered cold or warm in kelvin units?

Conversion Definitions

c: The Celsius scale (symbol: °C) is a temperature scale based on the freezing point of water at 0 °C and boiling at 100 °C under standard conditions. It is used for most weather and scientific measurements worldwide, except in places using Fahrenheit.

kelvin: Kelvin (symbol: K) is the SI base unit for temperature. It starts at absolute zero, the theoretical lowest possible temperature. One kelvin is the same size as one degree Celsius, but the kelvin scale has no negative numbers, making it perfect for scientific work.

Conversion FAQs

Does kelvin use the degree symbol like Celsius?

No, kelvin does not use the degree symbol. You write 274.15 K, not 274.15 °K. The kelvin is an absolute temperature scale, so the degree sign is left out by international agreement.

Why is the starting point for kelvin different from Celsius?

Celsius is based on water properties, but kelvin starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15 °C. Absolute zero is considered the point where all molecular motion stop, so it made sense to use as zero for kelvin. That’s makes conversions a matter of simple addition.

Can kelvin be a negative value?

No, kelvin cannot be negative. The lowest possible kelvin is 0 K, which represents absolute zero. Temperatures below that don’t exist physically. Unlike Celsius, which has negative numbers, kelvin always stays positive.

Why do scientists prefer using kelvin for experiments?

Scientists like kelvin because it avoids negative numbers, and measurements are absolute. Many equations in physics and chemistry work directly with kelvin, making it easier to calculate things like energy, pressure, and entropy. It keeps calculations cleaner, so fewer mistakes happen.

Last Updated : 17 June, 2025

Sandeep Bhandari

Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.