20 Celsius equals 293.15 Kelvin.
To convert 20 degrees Celsius to Kelvin, you add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. This shifts the scale from Celsius, which is based on the freezing point of water, to Kelvin, which starts at absolute zero.
Conversion Tool
Result in kelvin:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Celsius (°C) to Kelvin (K) is simple: K = °C + 273.15. This formula works because the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C), the lowest possible temperature where particles have minimal motion.
Adding 273.15 shifts a temperature from the Celsius scale, which zeroes at water freezing point, to Kelvin, starting at absolute zero. For example, when you have 20°C:
- Start with 20°C
- Add 273.15 to 20
- 20 + 273.15 = 293.15 K
This shows that 20 degrees Celsius is the same as 293.15 Kelvin.
Conversion Example
- Convert 5°C to Kelvin:
- Start with 5°C
- Add 273.15: 5 + 273.15
- Result: 278.15 K
- Convert -10°C to Kelvin:
- Start with -10°C
- Add 273.15: -10 + 273.15
- Result: 263.15 K
- Convert 30°C to Kelvin:
- Start with 30°C
- Add 273.15: 30 + 273.15
- Result: 303.15 K
- Convert 0°C to Kelvin:
- Start with 0°C
- Add 273.15: 0 + 273.15
- Result: 273.15 K
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 |
This chart shows Celsius temperatures from -5 to 45 and their equivalents in Kelvin. You can use it to quickly find the Kelvin temperature without calculation, just by locating the Celsius value.
Related Conversion Questions
- What is 20 degrees Celsius converted into Kelvin?
- How do you convert 20°C to K using a formula?
- Is 20°C equal to 293 Kelvin or something else?
- Why do we add 273.15 when converting 20 Celsius to Kelvin?
- What temperature in Kelvin corresponds to 20 degrees Celsius?
- Can 20 Celsius be converted to Kelvin without a calculator?
- What is the Kelvin equivalent of 20°C in scientific notation?
Conversion Definitions
Celsius: Celsius is a temperature scale where zero degrees equals the freezing point of water and one hundred degrees equals the boiling point of water, under standard atmospheric pressure. It used widely in everyday temperature measurement around the world.
Kelvin: Kelvin is the SI unit for temperature measurement, starting at absolute zero where particles have minimal thermal motion. It is used in scientific contexts where temperatures below zero Celsius need to be represented without negative values.
Conversion FAQs
Can Celsius values be negative when converting to Kelvin?
Yes, Celsius temperatures can be negative, but when converting to Kelvin, the result is always positive because Kelvin starts at absolute zero (-273.15°C). For example, -10°C converts to 263.15 K by adding 273.15.
Why is 273.15 added to Celsius to get Kelvin?
273.15 is added because Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15°C. Adding this value shifts the zero point from freezing point of water in Celsius, to absolute zero in Kelvin.
Is the Kelvin scale used outside scientific fields?
Kelvin mostly used in science, physics, and engineering where precise temperature measurement needed, especially in thermodynamics. It less common in daily weather or cooking contexts where Celsius or Fahrenheit prevail.
What happens if I convert Kelvin back to Celsius?
To convert Kelvin back to Celsius, subtract 273.15 from the Kelvin value. For example, 293.15 K minus 273.15 equals 20°C.
Does Kelvin have negative values like Celsius?
No, Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero so it does not have negative values. Temperatures below zero Kelvin are physically impossible.