20 degrees Celsius is equal to 293.15 kelvin.
To convert Celsius to kelvin, you add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. This shifts the scale from the freezing point of water in Celsius to absolute zero in kelvin.
Conversion Tool
Result in kelvin:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Celsius (°C) to kelvin (K) is:
K = °C + 273.15
This formula works because the kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15°C. Adding 273.15 shifts the Celsius temperature up to start at zero kelvin. So, if you have a temperature in Celsius, you add 273.15 to get kelvin.
Example:
- Given: 20°C
- Calculate: 20 + 273.15 = 293.15 K
- Result: 20°C equals 293.15 kelvin
Conversion Example
- Example 1: Convert 0°C to kelvin
- Start with 0°C
- Add 273.15: 0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K
- So, 0°C equals 273.15 kelvin
- Example 2: Convert -10°C to kelvin
- Start with -10°C
- Add 273.15: -10 + 273.15 = 263.15 K
- Therefore, -10°C equals 263.15 kelvin
- Example 3: Convert 37°C to kelvin
- Start with 37°C
- Add 273.15: 37 + 273.15 = 310.15 K
- Thus, 37°C equals 310.15 kelvin
Conversion Chart
| Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|
| -5.0 | 268.15 |
| 0.0 | 273.15 |
| 5.0 | 278.15 |
| 10.0 | 283.15 |
| 15.0 | 288.15 |
| 20.0 | 293.15 |
| 25.0 | 298.15 |
| 30.0 | 303.15 |
| 35.0 | 308.15 |
| 40.0 | 313.15 |
| 45.0 | 318.15 |
The chart shows Celsius values on left column and their equivalent kelvin values at right. To use it, find the Celsius temperature you want, then look across to see its kelvin value. This helps quickly convert without calculating.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many kelvin is 20 degrees Celsius exactly?
- What is the formula to convert 20°C into kelvin?
- Is 20 Celsius above or below room temperature in kelvin?
- How do I convert 20 celsius to kelvin without a calculator?
- What would 20 C be in kelvin with decimals?
- Why does converting 20°C to kelvin add 273.15?
- Can I convert 20 Celsius to kelvin using a simple formula?
Conversion Definitions
Celsius (°C): Celsius is a temperature scale where zero degrees represents the freezing point of water and 100 degrees is the boiling point of water at standard atmospheric pressure. It is widely used for everyday temperature measurements and scientific purposes across many countries.
Kelvin (K): Kelvin is the SI unit of temperature used in science. It starts at absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature where particles have minimum thermal motion. Unlike Celsius, kelvin has no negative values and is commonly used in physics and chemistry.
Conversion FAQs
Why do we add 273.15 when converting Celsius to kelvin?
The value 273.15 is added because kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15 degrees on Celsius scale. So, to shift Celsius to kelvin, you add 273.15, moving zero Celsius to 273.15 kelvin.
Can kelvin values be negative after converting from Celsius?
No, kelvin values cannot be negative. Since absolute zero is zero kelvin, any Celsius temperature above -273.15 will convert to a positive kelvin value. Temperatures below -273.15 Celsius do not physically exist.
Is 0 kelvin achievable by cooling 20 Celsius?
No, 0 kelvin is absolute zero, the coldest possible temperature. Cooling 20°C to 0 K would require removing all thermal energy, which is impossible to achieve in practical conditions.
Does converting Celsius to kelvin affect temperature differences?
No, temperature differences remain the same in both scales. For example, a 10°C change equals a 10 K change since the interval size is identical in both Celsius and kelvin.
Why is kelvin preferred in scientific measurements over Celsius?
Kelvin is preferred because it starts at absolute zero, allowing direct measurements in thermodynamics and physics without negative values. Celsius is more practical for daily use but less precise for scientific calculations.