Free printable temperature conversion chart for science education, research labs, and international scientific communication. Essential reference for thermodynamics and physics studies.
Education Range • 0°C to 100°C
°C → K • Step 10°C • 3 decimal places
Range 0°C to 100°C • 11 rows
| Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0°C | 273.150 K | Water freezes |
| 10°C | 283.150 K | — |
| 20°C | 293.150 K | Room temperature |
| 30°C | 303.150 K | — |
| 40°C | 313.150 K | — |
| 50°C | 323.150 K | — |
| 60°C | 333.150 K | — |
| 70°C | 343.150 K | — |
| 80°C | 353.150 K | — |
| 90°C | 363.150 K | — |
| 100°C | 373.150 K | Water boils |
Formula: K = °C + 273.15
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Rows
11
Temperature Range
0°C to 100°C
PDF Size
≈0KB
Print Quality
300 DPI
Kelvin (K) is the absolute temperature scale used in physics, chemistry, and international science. Unlike Celsius, which is relative to water's freezing point, Kelvin measures absolute temperature starting from absolute zero—the theoretical temperature where all molecular motion stops.
The Kelvin scale was proposed in 1848 by William Thomson, First Baron Kelvin, as a response to the need for an absolute temperature scale in thermodynamic calculations. It forms the foundation of modern thermodynamics and all physics equations requiring temperature.
Unlike Celsius (relative to water's freezing point), Kelvin provides a true zero point, making it indispensable for scientific work across physics, chemistry, astronomy, and engineering.
🌌 Astronomy & Astrophysics
Measuring stellar surface temperatures, cosmic background radiation (2.7 K), and black body radiation.
🧪 Chemistry & Reactions
Reaction rate calculations (Arrhenius equation), equilibrium constants, and thermochemistry.
❄️ Cryogenics & Materials
Liquid nitrogen (77 K), liquid helium (4.2 K), superconductivity studies, and low-temperature physics.
🔌 Electronics & Semiconductors
Transistor performance calculations, thermal management, and quantum computing operations.
Kelvin is the standard temperature scale for scientific research and engineering applications worldwide
3000-6000 K
Star surface temperatures, cosmic measurements
298-373 K
Reaction speed, equilibrium calculations
4-77 K
Liquid helium/nitrogen, superconductivity
273-373 K
Gas laws, kinetic energy, quantum effects
The Formula
Example Calculations:
Room Temperature (25°C):
K = 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K
Standard lab reference temperature
Water Freezing Point (0°C):
K = 0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K
Critical phase transition point
Absolute Zero (-273.15°C):
K = -273.15 + 273.15 = 0 K ✓
Lowest possible temperature (theoretical limit)
273.15 is the exact, scientifically-defined value: It represents the precise conversion constant between Celsius and Kelvin scales, established in 1954 by the International Committee for Weights and Measures.
273 is a rounded approximation: Acceptable for quick mental math and rough calculations, but insufficient for scientific and laboratory work.
Lab Rule: Always use 273.15 for precise scientific calculations. Use 273 only for classroom estimation exercises.
| Reference Point | Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|---|
| Absolute Zero | -273.15 | 0 |
| Water Freezes | 0 | 273.15 |
| Room Temperature | 20-25 | 293.15-298.15 |
| Standard Lab Temp (STP) | 25 | 298.15 |
| Water Boils | 100 | 373.15 |
| Sun Surface | ~5500 | ~5778 |
The relationship between Celsius and Kelvin is simple but profound: K = °C + 273.15. This constant difference never changes. The difference between them is not just mathematical—it reflects a fundamental difference in how we define temperature:
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Absolute zero (0 K or -273.15°C) is the theoretical temperature where all molecular motion stops. It's the lowest possible temperature in the universe and cannot be reached in practice. All temperature measurements in Kelvin are at or above this point.
Kelvin is an absolute temperature scale, meaning it starts from absolute zero. This makes it essential for physics equations, gas laws (e.g., Charles's Law: V₁/T₁ = V₂/T₂), and thermodynamic calculations that require non-negative temperature values. Many scientific formulas break down or become invalid with relative scales like Celsius.
Simply add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature: K = °C + 273.15. For example, 25°C = 298.15 K. For quick mental math, you can approximate by adding 273, but always use 273.15 for scientific and laboratory work.
Room temperature is typically 20-25°C, which equals 293.15-298.15 K. The standard lab reference temperature (STP) is 25°C = 298.15 K. This is the temperature often used in chemistry and physics experiments.
In standard thermodynamics: No! All Kelvin temperatures are ≥ 0 K by definition. However, in exotic quantum systems (like inverted population in lasers), negative absolute temperature is theoretically possible but extraordinarily rare and exists only in specialized laboratory conditions.
Liquid nitrogen boils at 77.36 K (-195.79°C), often approximated as 77 K in practice. Liquid helium, an even colder cryogenic fluid, boils at 4.2 K (-268.95°C). These are crucial temperatures for cryogenic research.
For general education: 2-3 decimal places (298.15 K). For laboratory work: 4-6 decimal places (298.1500 K). For cryogenic or precision research: 6+ decimal places. More decimals = higher precision, but depends on your measurement equipment.
0°C = 273.15 K. This is the freezing point of water—a crucial reference point. The slight difference from 273 K is because the Kelvin scale is defined such that absolute zero is exactly 0 K, and this makes the conversion constant 273.15, not a round number.
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