Convention

Temperature scale conversion

T_{K} = T_{C} + 273.15, T_{F} = \frac{9}{5} T_{C} + 32

Statement

Converting a Celsius temperature to Kelvin or Fahrenheit.

Symbols and units

T_{K}, T_{C}, T_{F}

Kelvin, Celsius, Fahrenheit temperature

K, °C, °F

When it applies

Any temperature value; a definitional conversion, not a physical law.

Derivation

Defined by fixing reference points and dividing the interval between them into a chosen number of degrees; the Kelvin scale shifts the zero point to absolute zero, where all classical thermal motion ceases.

T_{K} = T_{C} + 273.15, T_{F} = \frac{9}{5} T_{C} + 32

Watch out for

Only Kelvin is an absolute scale suitable for physical formulas such as the ideal gas law — Celsius or Fahrenheit values cannot be substituted directly into PV = nRT.