A scale of temperature based on, but different from, the Celsius scale. It is used primarily in science to record very high and very low temperatures. The Kelvin scale starts as zero and indicates the total absence of hear (absolute zero).
Zero on the Kelvin scale is equal to minus 273.16 degrees Celsius and minus 459.67 degrees Fahrenheit.
The freezing point of water is 273.16 kelvins. The boiling point of water is 373.16 kelvins. (Note temperatures on the Kelvin scale are called “kelvins,” not “degrees.” The symbol, a capital K, stands alone with no degree symbol.)
To convert Celsius to Kelvin, add 273.16 to the Celsius temperature.
See also AP Style Celsius and AP Style Fahrenheit.