Convert 3 Kelvin (K) to Celsius (°C).

3 Kelvin equals -270.15 Celsius. Apply the formula °C = K - 273.15.

3 Kelvin = -270.15 Celsius

Worked example: converting Kelvin to Celsius

Step 1 — start with the formula. °C = K - 273.15
Step 2 — substitute your figure. Apply the formula to 3 K.
Step 3 — read the result. 3 K = -270.15 °C
Step 4 — check it in reverse. K = °C + 273.15 returns 3 K, which matches the figure you started with.

Temperature Converter

5 units available

Decimals:

From

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-270.15

3 K = -270.15 °C

Formula:

°C = K - 273.15

With your value: 3 K = -270.15 °C

Other Kelvin to Celsius conversions

1 K to °C 2 K to °C 4 K to °C 5 K to °C 6 K to °C 7 K to °C 8 K to °C Full Kelvin to Celsius converter

Kelvin to Celsius Conversion Table

Kelvin (K)	Celsius (°C)
0.5	-272.65
1	-272.15
2	-271.15
5	-268.15
10	-263.15
15	-258.15
20	-253.15
25	-248.15
50	-223.15
100	-173.15
250	-23.15
500	226.85
1000	726.85

Celsius to Kelvin Conversion Table

Celsius (°C)	Kelvin (K)
0.5	273.65
1	274.15
2	275.15
5	278.15
10	283.15
15	288.15
20	293.15
25	298.15
50	323.15
100	373.15
250	523.15
500	773.15
1000	1,273.15

Where these values come from

Every factor on this page is traced to the document that defines it. See the full provenance dataset or our methodology.

Kelvin (K)

Temperature

SI definition

Traceable to the kelvin, defined by fixing the Boltzmann constant at 1.380 649 × 10⁻²³ J/K. Celsius and Fahrenheit are exact affine transforms of the kelvin scale.

Source: BIPM, The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition, 2019 (updated 2024)

Bureau International des Poids et Mesures · Reviewed 2026-07-01

Celsius (°C)

Temperature

SI definition

t/°C = T/K − 273.15. The degree Celsius has exactly the same magnitude as the kelvin.

Source: BIPM, The International System of Units (SI), 9th edition, 2019 (updated 2024)

Bureau International des Poids et Mesures · Reviewed 2026-07-01

Standards and context behind Kelvin to Celsius

Boltzmann constant: Since 2019 the kelvin is defined by k = 1.380649 × 10⁻²³ J/K, no longer by the triple point of water.
Absolute zero: 0 K = −273.15 °C exactly.

How to Convert Kelvin to Celsius

This conversion uses an offset formula, so it cannot be described by a single multiplication factor.

Formula: °C = K - 273.15

Reverse: K = °C + 273.15

Step-by-Step Example

Start with your value in Kelvin. For example: 5 K
Apply °C = K - 273.15
The result is: -268.15 °C

About Kelvin

The Kelvin scale is the SI unit of temperature that starts at absolute zero (−273.15°C). It is used extensively in scientific research.

Fun Fact: At 0 Kelvin (absolute zero), all molecular motion stops. It has never been fully achieved in a laboratory.

Common uses: physics, astronomy, chemistry.

About Celsius

The Celsius scale sets 0°C as the freezing point and 100°C as the boiling point of water at standard pressure. It is used by most countries worldwide.

Fun Fact: Anders Celsius originally proposed a scale where 100° was freezing and 0° was boiling—it was later reversed!

Common uses: weather, cooking, science.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 3 Kelvin in Celsius?

3 Kelvin equals -270.15 Celsius.

How many Celsius are in 1 Kelvin?

There are exactly -272.15 Celsius in 1 Kelvin.

What is the formula to convert Kelvin to Celsius?

The formula to convert Kelvin to Celsius is: °C = K - 273.15. For example, to convert 10 Kelvin to Celsius, you would apply the formula to 10.

What is a Kelvin?