120 degrees Celsius is equal to 393.15 Kelvin.
To convert Celsius to Kelvin, you add 273.15 to the Celsius temperature. This is because the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15°C, so the addition shifts the scale accordingly.
Conversion Tool
Result in kelvin:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert Celsius (°C) to Kelvin (K) is:
K = °C + 273.15
This works because the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero, the coldest possible temperature, which is -273.15 degrees Celsius. By adding 273.15, you shift the Celsius value upwards to align with the Kelvin scale.
For example, converting 120°C to Kelvin:
- Take the Celsius value: 120
- Add 273.15 to it: 120 + 273.15
- The result is 393.15 K
Conversion Example
- Convert 25°C to Kelvin:
- Start with 25
- Add 273.15: 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K
- Convert 0°C to Kelvin:
- Start with 0
- Add 273.15: 0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K
- Convert -40°C to Kelvin:
- Start with -40
- Add 273.15: -40 + 273.15 = 233.15 K
- Convert 100°C to Kelvin:
- Use 100 Celsius
- Add 273.15: 100 + 273.15 = 373.15 K
- Convert 80.5°C to Kelvin:
- Take 80.5
- Add 273.15: 80.5 + 273.15 = 353.65 K
Conversion Chart
The chart below shows Celsius values from 95.0 to 145.0 and their corresponding Kelvin equivalents. You can use this as a quick reference for common temperatures without needing to calculate each time.
| Celsius (°C) | Kelvin (K) |
|---|---|
| 95.0 | 368.15 |
| 100.0 | 373.15 |
| 105.0 | 378.15 |
| 110.0 | 383.15 |
| 115.0 | 388.15 |
| 120.0 | 393.15 |
| 125.0 | 398.15 |
| 130.0 | 403.15 |
| 135.0 | 408.15 |
| 140.0 | 413.15 |
| 145.0 | 418.15 |
Related Conversion Questions
- How do I convert 120 Celsius degrees into Kelvin?
- What is the Kelvin equivalent of 120°C in scientific notation?
- Is 120 Celsius the same temperature as 393 Kelvin?
- How accurate is converting 120 degrees Celsius to Kelvin?
- Can I convert 120 Celsius to Kelvin without a calculator?
- Why does adding 273.15 convert Celsius to Kelvin for 120 degrees?
- What temperature in Kelvin corresponds to 120 Celsius in everyday use?
Conversion Definitions
Celsius: Celsius is a temperature scale used around the world, where water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees under standard atmospheric pressure. It is based on the metric system and widely used for weather forecasts, scientific measurements, and daily tasks.
Kelvin: Kelvin is the SI unit of temperature, starting at absolute zero, the theoretical point where particles have minimum thermal motion. Unlike Celsius, Kelvin does not use degrees, and it’s mainly used in physics and chemistry to measure temperatures relative to absolute zero.
Conversion FAQs
Can I convert Celsius to Kelvin for negative Celsius values?
Yes, negative Celsius temperatures convert normally by adding 273.15, resulting in Kelvin values above zero since Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero. For example, -10°C becomes 263.15 K.
Why is the number 273.15 added in the conversion formula?
273.15 is the offset between the zero points of the Celsius and Kelvin scales. Celsius zero equals freezing point of water, while Kelvin starts at absolute zero, which is -273.15°C. Adding this number shifts the Celsius value to the Kelvin scale.
Is the Kelvin scale used in everyday temperature measurements?
Kelvin is mostly used in scientific contexts, especially physics and chemistry. Daily weather and household temperatures are usually reported in Celsius or Fahrenheit, but Kelvin is essential when dealing with absolute temperature values.
Does the conversion affect temperature differences?
No, temperature differences remain the same in both scales. If temperature changes by 10°C, it is also a 10 K difference. Only absolute readings change by the 273.15 offset.
Are Kelvin and Celsius interchangeable in formulas?
They can be used interchangeably for temperature differences, but absolute temperatures must be in Kelvin for certain physics equations, such as those involving the ideal gas law.
