Kelvin to Newton Converter

Convert kelvins to degrees Newton with our free online temperature converter.

Quick Answer

1 Kelvin = -89.8095 degrees Newton

Formula: Kelvin × conversion factor = Newton

Use the calculator below for instant, accurate conversions.

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All conversion formulas on UnitsConverter.io have been verified against NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) guidelines and international SI standards. Our calculations are accurate to 10 decimal places for standard conversions and use arbitrary precision arithmetic for astronomical units.

Last verified: February 2026|Reviewed by: Sam Mathew, Software Engineer

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How to Use the Kelvin to Newton Calculator:

Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Kelvin).
The converted value in Newton will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Temperature category.
Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.

How to Convert Kelvin to Newton: Step-by-Step Guide

Temperature conversions like Kelvin to Newton use specific non-linear formulas.

Formula:

First convert K to °C: °C = K - 273.15. Then convert °C to °N: °N = °C × 33/100

Example Calculation:

Convert 10K:
1. °C = 10 - 273.15 = -263.15°C
2. °N = -263.15 × 33/100 = -86.84°N

Disclaimer: For Reference Only

These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.

Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.

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What is a Kelvin and a Newton?

Kelvin (symbol: K, not °K) is the base unit of thermodynamic temperature in the International System of Units (SI). It is an absolute temperature scale, meaning its zero point (0 K) represents the lowest theoretically possible temperature.

Key characteristics:

Absolute zero: 0 K = -273.15°C = -459.67°F
No negative temperatures: (in ordinary matter)
No degree symbol: Write "273 K" not "273°K"
Same magnitude as Celsius: 1 K change = 1°C change

Modern Definition (2019): The kelvin is defined by fixing the numerical value of the Boltzmann constant (k) to exactly 1.380649×10⁻²³ joules per kelvin (J/K). This definition links temperature to energy at the atomic level.

Conversion formulas:

From Celsius: K = °C + 273.15 - Convert C to K
From Fahrenheit: K = (°F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 - Convert F to K
To Celsius: °C = K - 273.15 - Convert K to C
To Fahrenheit: °F = (K - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32 - Convert K to F

Important fixed points:

Absolute zero: 0 K (exactly)
Water triple point: 273.16 K (0.01°C) - where ice, water, and vapor coexist
Water freezing: 273.15 K (0°C)
Water boiling: 373.15 K (100°C)
Room temperature: ~293 K (20°C)
Human body: ~310 K (37°C)

Why no degree symbol? Kelvin is an absolute scale starting from a fundamental physical limit (absolute zero), not an arbitrary reference point like Celsius or Fahrenheit. The unit is "kelvin" (lowercase when spelled out), not "degrees Kelvin."

Convert between temperature units: Kelvin converter

The Newton scale (°N) is a temperature scale devised by Isaac Newton around 1700. It sets the freezing point of water at 0 degrees Newton and the boiling point at 33 degrees Newton.

Note: The Kelvin is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Newton belongs to the imperial/US customary system.

History of the Kelvin and Newton

Early Thermodynamics (1840s): Scientists studying heat engines and thermodynamics realized that there must be a lowest possible temperature, where thermal energy reaches its minimum.
William Thomson (Lord Kelvin) (1824-1907): British physicist and engineer who proposed the absolute temperature scale in 1848. He later became Baron Kelvin, and the unit was named in his honor.
Original Proposal (1848): Thomson proposed an absolute thermodynamic temperature scale based on:
- Carnot's theorem on heat engines
- The idea that there exists a temperature at which thermal motion ceases
- Independence from the properties of any particular substance
Determination of Absolute Zero: By studying the thermal expansion of gases, scientists extrapolated that gases would theoretically have zero volume at approximately -273°C. This temperature was identified as absolute zero.
Original Scale (1848-1954): Thomson's scale was initially called the "absolute scale" or "thermodynamic temperature scale." It used the same degree size as Celsius but started at absolute zero.
Triple Point Definition (1954): The 10th CGPM (General Conference on Weights and Measures) officially named the unit "kelvin" (symbol K) and defined it based on the triple point of water:
- Triple point of water = exactly 273.16 K
- This made the kelvin equal in magnitude to the Celsius degree
- Eliminated need for a physical artifact
Why 273.15?: This value was chosen to maintain compatibility with the Celsius scale, ensuring that the freezing point of water remained at 0°C (273.15 K) and boiling point at 100°C (373.15 K).
Adoption as SI Base Unit (1960): When the International System of Units (SI) was established, the kelvin was designated as one of the seven SI base units for thermodynamic temperature.
Symbol Change (1967): The symbol was changed from "°K" (degree Kelvin) to just "K" (kelvin) to emphasize its absolute nature and distinguish it from relative scales.
2019 Redefinition: On May 20, 2019, the kelvin was redefined based on the Boltzmann constant:
- Old definition: Based on triple point of water (273.16 K)
- New definition: Boltzmann constant fixed at exactly 1.380649×10⁻²³ J/K
- Why: Links temperature to fundamental physics (energy per particle)
- Advantage: Can be reproduced in any properly equipped laboratory
- Impact: No change to the scale's size or zero point, only how it's realized
Boltzmann Connection: The Boltzmann constant (k) relates the average kinetic energy of particles to temperature: E = (3/2)kT. By fixing k, temperature is now defined through energy.
Global Scientific Standard: The kelvin is the only SI base unit for temperature. It's used universally in:
- Physics research
- Chemistry
- Astronomy and astrophysics
- Engineering
- Materials science
- Climate science
Practical Usage: While Celsius dominates everyday life in most countries and Fahrenheit in the US, scientists worldwide use kelvin for research, ensuring universal compatibility and precision.

Newton developed his scale for practical use, calling it the "thermometric degree." He defined it based on the freezing point of water (0 °N) and body temperature (around 12 °N). He later extrapolated it to the boiling point of water (33 °N). It was one of the precursors to the Celsius scale.

Common Uses and Applications: kelvins vs degrees Newton

Explore the typical applications for both Kelvin (imperial/US) and Newton (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.

Common Uses for kelvins

The kelvin is the standard temperature unit in scientific and technical fields worldwide:

Scientific Research

The universal temperature unit in physics, chemistry, and all scientific disciplines. Essential for ensuring reproducibility and international collaboration.

Scientific applications:

Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics
Quantum mechanics and atomic physics
Chemical kinetics and equilibrium
Materials science research
Particle physics experiments
Cryogenics and low-temperature physics

Why kelvin in science:

SI base unit (international standard)
Absolute scale (no negative temperatures)
Direct relationship to energy (via Boltzmann constant)
Universal reproducibility
Required for scientific publications

Convert for scientific work: kelvins to other units

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Standard for measuring stellar temperatures, cosmic phenomena, and space science.

Astronomical uses:

Star surface temperatures (spectral classification)
Stellar core temperatures
Planetary atmosphere temperatures
Cosmic microwave background (2.7 K)
Interstellar medium temperature
Black hole thermodynamics
Big Bang cosmology

Why kelvin in astronomy:

Suitable for extreme temperatures (millions of kelvins)
No confusion with negative values
International astronomical standard
Links to blackbody radiation physics

Color Temperature

Standard for describing the color of light sources in photography, cinematography, and lighting design.

Color temperature uses:

Light bulb specifications (2,700-6,500 K)
Camera white balance settings
Video production lighting
Architectural lighting design
Display calibration
Stage and theater lighting

Common values:

Warm light: 2,700-3,500 K
Neutral/daylight: 5,000-6,500 K
Cool light: 6,500-10,000 K

Cryogenics

Essential for ultra-low temperature applications and liquefied gas handling.

Cryogenic applications:

Liquid nitrogen storage (77 K)
Liquid helium systems (4 K)
Superconducting magnets (MRI, particle accelerators)
Cryopreservation (biological samples)
Rocket fuel (liquid hydrogen, liquid oxygen)
Low-temperature physics research

Why kelvin in cryogenics:

Natural scale for very low temperatures
Avoids large negative numbers
Direct relationship to thermal energy
Industry standard

Materials Science

Critical for studying phase transitions, material properties, and thermal behavior.

Materials applications:

Melting and boiling points
Glass transition temperatures
Superconductor critical temperatures
Thermal expansion studies
Heat capacity measurements
Crystal structure studies

Engineering and Industry

Used in technical specifications where absolute temperature is important.

Engineering uses:

Thermodynamic calculations (heat engines, refrigeration)
Gas laws and ideal gas calculations
Chemical reactor design
Aerospace engineering (re-entry heat)
Semiconductor manufacturing
Industrial process control

Ideal gas law: PV = nRT (where T must be in kelvins)

Climate Science

Standard for scientific climate modeling and atmospheric research.

Climate uses:

Atmospheric temperature profiles
Ocean temperature measurements
Climate model simulations
Radiative transfer calculations
Greenhouse gas physics
Ice core data analysis

Use our kelvin converter for scientific conversions.

When to Use degrees Newton

Historical Significance: Primarily of historical interest in the development of thermometry.
Not used in modern scientific or general applications.

Additional Unit Information

About Kelvin (K)

What is absolute zero?

Absolute zero is 0 K (0 kelvins), which equals -273.15°C or -459.67°F. It's the lowest theoretically possible temperature.

What happens at absolute zero:

All classical thermal motion of particles stops
Particles still have quantum mechanical zero-point energy
Entropy reaches its minimum value (Third Law of Thermodynamics)
No heat energy can be extracted

Can we reach absolute zero?

No: Third Law of Thermodynamics says it's impossible to reach in finite steps
Close approach: Scientists have reached temperatures within billionths of a kelvin
Asymptotic: Can get arbitrarily close but never exactly 0 K

Why impossible?

Would require infinite work to remove all thermal energy
Quantum mechanics prevents complete stillness (zero-point energy)
Heisenberg uncertainty principle limits precision

Coldest achieved: ~100 picokelvin (0.0000000001 K) in ultra-cold atom experiments

How do you convert Celsius to Kelvin?

Use the formula: K = °C + 273.15

Step-by-step:

Take the Celsius temperature
Add 273.15
Result is in kelvins

Examples:

0°C: 0 + 273.15 = 273.15 K (water freezes)
20°C: 20 + 273.15 = 293.15 K (room temp)
100°C: 100 + 273.15 = 373.15 K (water boils)
-40°C: -40 + 273.15 = 233.15 K
-273.15°C: -273.15 + 273.15 = 0 K (absolute zero)

Reverse conversion (Kelvin to Celsius):

Formula: °C = K - 273.15
Example: 300 K = 300 - 273.15 = 26.85°C

Why 273.15?

This offset ensures water freezes at 0°C (273.15 K) and boils at 100°C (373.15 K)
Maintains same degree size as Celsius

Use our Celsius to Kelvin converter for instant conversions.

Why doesn't Kelvin use the degree symbol?

Kelvin doesn't use the degree symbol (°) because it's an absolute scale, not a relative one.

The reasoning:

Absolute scale: Starts at absolute zero (a fundamental physical limit), not an arbitrary reference point
Not "degrees": The term "degree" implies divisions on a scale between arbitrary points
Official designation: Write "300 K" or "300 kelvins", never "300°K"

Comparison:

Celsius: 0°C is arbitrary (water freezing), uses degree symbol
Fahrenheit: 0°F is arbitrary (brine freezing), uses degree symbol
Kelvin: 0 K is absolute zero (fundamental), no degree symbol

Historical note:

Originally written as "°K" (degrees Kelvin)
Changed to just "K" (kelvin) in 1967
Emphasizes its absolute nature

Other absolute scale:

Rankine (°R) - absolute Fahrenheit scale, does use degree symbol (less common)

What is the relationship between Kelvin and Celsius?

Kelvin and Celsius have the same degree size, but different zero points.

Key relationships:

Conversion: K = °C + 273.15
Same magnitude: 1 K change = 1°C change
Different zeros: 0 K = -273.15°C

Temperature difference:

A change of 5°C = a change of 5 K
If temp increases from 20°C to 25°C, that's a 5°C (or 5 K) increase
293.15 K to 298.15 K = same increase

Fixed points:

Water freezes: 0°C = 273.15 K
Water boils: 100°C = 373.15 K
Difference: 100°C = 100 K

Why same size:

Kelvin was defined to maintain compatibility with Celsius
Makes conversion simple (just add/subtract 273.15)
Scientists can use either for temperature differences

Convert between them: K to C | C to K

How do you convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin?

Formula: K = (°F - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15

Step-by-step:

Subtract 32 from Fahrenheit
Multiply by 5/9 (or 0.5556)
Add 273.15

Examples:

32°F: (32 - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 = 273.15 K (water freezes)
68°F: (68 - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 = 293.15 K (room temp)
212°F: (212 - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 = 373.15 K (water boils)
-40°F: (-40 - 32) × 5/9 + 273.15 = 233.15 K

Reverse conversion (Kelvin to Fahrenheit):

Formula: °F = (K - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32
Example: 300 K = (300 - 273.15) × 9/5 + 32 = 80.33°F

Alternative method:

Convert °F to °C first: °C = (°F - 32) × 5/9
Then convert °C to K: K = °C + 273.15

Use our Fahrenheit to Kelvin converter for accurate conversions.

What is room temperature in Kelvin?

Room temperature is approximately 293-295 K, which equals 20-22°C (68-72°F).

Standard definitions:

Scientific standard: 293.15 K (20°C, 68°F)
Comfortable range: 293-295 K (20-22°C, 68-72°F)
IUPAC standard: 298.15 K (25°C, 77°F) for chemistry

Common room temps:

Cool room: 291 K (18°C, 64°F)
Comfortable: 293 K (20°C, 68°F)
Warm room: 296 K (23°C, 73°F)

Context matters:

Laboratories: Often use 293.15 K or 298.15 K as standard
Home comfort: 293-295 K typical
Chemical reactions: Often specified at 298 K

Human body comparison:

Room temp: 293 K
Body temp: 310 K (37°C)
Difference: 17 K (or 17°C)

What is color temperature measured in?

Color temperature is measured in kelvins (K).

What it means: Color temperature describes the color appearance of light by comparing it to the color of light emitted by a theoretical "blackbody" heated to that temperature.

Common color temperatures:

1,800-2,000 K: Candle flame (warm orange)
2,700 K: Incandescent bulb (warm yellow)
3,000 K: Halogen bulb (warm white)
5,000 K: Daylight (neutral white)
5,500-6,000 K: Electronic flash (bright white)
6,500 K: Overcast daylight (cool white)
10,000+ K: Clear blue sky (very cool blue)

Photography use:

Cameras adjust white balance based on color temperature
Tungsten setting: ~3,200 K
Daylight setting: ~5,600 K

Not actual temperature:

Light bulb at 2,700 K color temp isn't actually 2,700 K hot
Refers to color match with blackbody at that temperature
LED bulbs cool to touch but have high color temperature

Can temperature be negative in Kelvin?

In ordinary circumstances, no. Temperatures in kelvin cannot be negative because 0 K is absolute zero, the lowest possible temperature.

For ordinary matter:

0 K is the theoretical minimum
All physical temperatures are ≥ 0 K
Negative kelvin would be "colder than absolute zero" - impossible

Exotic exception (negative absolute temperature):

In special quantum systems, "negative temperature" exists in thermodynamic sense
NOT colder than absolute zero - actually infinitely hot!
Occurs in population-inverted systems (lasers, certain spin systems)
Highly technical and non-intuitive concept

If you calculate negative K:

You made an error in your conversion
Check your formula (especially converting from Fahrenheit)

Bottom line: For all practical purposes and everyday physics, temperatures in kelvin are always positive (≥ 0 K).

How is Kelvin different from Celsius?

Kelvin and Celsius differ in their zero point, but have the same degree size.

Key differences:

| Feature | Kelvin | Celsius | |---------|--------|---------| | Zero point | Absolute zero (-273.15°C) | Water freezing (0°C) | | Freezing point | 273.15 K | 0°C | | Boiling point | 373.15 K | 100°C | | Degree symbol | No (just K) | Yes (°C) | | Scale type | Absolute | Relative | | Negative values | No (≥0 K) | Yes (below 0°C) | | Primary use | Science | Everyday (most countries) |

Conversion:

K = °C + 273.15
°C = K - 273.15

Same magnitude:

1 K change = 1°C change
Temperature difference of 10°C = 10 K

When to use which:

Kelvin: Scientific research, absolute calculations, thermodynamics
Celsius: Daily life, weather, cooking (in metric countries)

Convert between them: K to C | C to K

What temperature is the Sun in Kelvin?

The Sun's surface (photosphere) temperature is approximately 5,778 K (5,505°C or 9,941°F).

Sun's temperature zones:

Core: ~15,000,000 K (15 million K) - where fusion occurs
Radiative zone: 7,000,000 K to 2,000,000 K
Convective zone: 2,000,000 K to 5,800 K
Photosphere (visible surface): 5,778 K - what we see
Chromosphere: 4,000-25,000 K
Corona (outer atmosphere): 1,000,000-3,000,000 K (paradoxically hotter than surface!)

Why kelvin for the Sun:

Astronomical standard
Suitable for extreme temperatures
Links to blackbody radiation and stellar classification

Other stars:

Red dwarfs: 2,500-4,000 K (cooler, redder)
Sun-like stars: 5,000-6,000 K (yellow)
Blue giants: 10,000-50,000 K (hotter, bluer)

Spectral classification: Based on surface temperature in kelvins

About Newton (°N)

What are the freezing and boiling points of water in Newton?

Water freezes at 0 °N and boils at 33 °N.

How does the Newton scale relate to Celsius?

The Newton degree is much larger than the Celsius degree. The formula is °N = °C × 33/100.

Did Newton use mercury thermometers?

Newton didn't use mercury; his early work involved linseed oil thermometers. The scale defines temperature points rather than the substance used in the thermometer.

How do I convert Kelvin to Newton?

To convert Kelvin to Newton, enter the value in Kelvin in the calculator above. The conversion will happen automatically. Use our free online converter for instant and accurate results. You can also visit our temperature converter page to convert between other units in this category.

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What is the conversion factor from Kelvin to Newton?

The conversion factor depends on the specific relationship between Kelvin and Newton. You can find the exact conversion formula and factor on this page. Our calculator handles all calculations automatically. See the conversion table above for common values.

Can I convert Newton back to Kelvin?

Yes! You can easily convert Newton back to Kelvin by using the swap button (⇌) in the calculator above, or by visiting our Newton to Kelvin converter page. You can also explore other temperature conversions on our category page.

Learn more →

What are common uses for Kelvin and Newton?

Kelvin and Newton are both standard units used in temperature measurements. They are commonly used in various applications including engineering, construction, cooking, and scientific research. Browse our temperature converter for more conversion options.

For more temperature conversion questions, visit our FAQ page or explore our conversion guides.

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All Temperature Conversions

Celsius to Fahrenheit Celsius to Kelvin Celsius to Rankine Celsius to Réaumur Celsius to Rømer Celsius to Newton Celsius to Delisle Fahrenheit to Celsius Fahrenheit to Kelvin Fahrenheit to Rankine Fahrenheit to Réaumur Fahrenheit to Rømer Fahrenheit to Newton Fahrenheit to Delisle Kelvin to Celsius Kelvin to Fahrenheit Kelvin to Rankine Kelvin to Réaumur Kelvin to Rømer Kelvin to Delisle Rankine to Celsius Rankine to Fahrenheit Rankine to Kelvin Rankine to Réaumur Rankine to Rømer Rankine to Newton Rankine to Delisle Réaumur to Celsius Réaumur to Fahrenheit Réaumur to Kelvin Réaumur to Rankine Réaumur to Rømer Réaumur to Newton Réaumur to Delisle Rømer to Celsius Rømer to Fahrenheit Rømer to Kelvin Rømer to Rankine Rømer to Réaumur Rømer to Newton Rømer to Delisle Newton to Celsius Newton to Fahrenheit Newton to Kelvin Newton to Rankine Newton to Réaumur Newton to Rømer Newton to Delisle Delisle to Celsius Delisle to Fahrenheit Delisle to Kelvin Delisle to Rankine Delisle to Réaumur Delisle to Rømer Delisle to Newton

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Verified Against Authority Standards

All conversion formulas have been verified against international standards and authoritative sources to ensure maximum accuracy and reliability.

NIST ITS-90 Temperature Scale

National Institute of Standards and Technology — International Temperature Scale standards

BIPM Temperature Unit

Bureau International des Poids et Mesures — Definition of the kelvin and temperature scales

Last verified: February 19, 2026