Convert Millikelvin to Microkelvin
Convert millikelvins to microkelvins instantly. 1 mK = 1000 µK — use the live calculator, the exact formula, a reference-temperature table and worked examples. Also check the Microkelvin to Millikelvin converter for the reverse conversion.
Units explained
Millikelvin
One millikelvin (mK) is one thousandth of a kelvin (10⁻³ K), measured upward from absolute zero.
Formed with the SI prefix 'milli-' (from Latin 'mille', a thousand) applied to the kelvin base unit.
Cryogenics and low-temperature physics — the dilution refrigerators that cool superconducting quantum computers operate at roughly 10–20 mK.
The milli- prefix belongs to the original metric system of 1795 and was carried into the SI in 1960; the kelvin became an SI base unit in 1954.
Microkelvin
One microkelvin (µK) is one millionth of a kelvin (10⁻⁶ K) above absolute zero.
Formed with the SI prefix 'micro-' (from Greek 'mikros', small) applied to the kelvin base unit.
Ultracold atomic physics — laser-cooled atom clouds and the atomic-fountain clocks that keep world time operate at microkelvin temperatures.
The micro- prefix entered metric usage with the 1873 British Association system and was formally adopted into the SI in 1960.
Millikelvin to Microkelvin conversion formula
The exact relationship between millikelvins and microkelvins:
To convert millikelvins to microkelvins, multiply the value in millikelvins by 1000. To reverse, multiply the value in microkelvins by 1/1000.
Both units count upward from absolute zero, so 0 mK = 0 µK and the relationship is a pure ratio.
How to use this converter
Type a value into the calculator. The result in microkelvins updates as you type. Tap a quick value, copy the result with one click, or use the swap arrow to jump straight to the Microkelvin to Millikelvin converter for the reverse direction.
Step-by-step: convert millikelvins to microkelvins
- Write down the temperature in millikelvins (mK).
- Multiply the value in millikelvins by 1000.
- The result is the same temperature expressed in microkelvins (µK).
- To reverse, multiply the value in microkelvins by 1/1000 — or open the Microkelvin to Millikelvin converter.
Worked examples
Example 1 — Convert 1 mK to µK:
1 × 1000 = 1000 µK
Example 2 — Convert 100 mK to µK:
100 × 1000 = 100000 µK
Millikelvin to Microkelvin conversion table
Physically meaningful reference temperatures, from absolute zero to the surface of the Sun, converted from millikelvins to microkelvins:
| Millikelvin [mK] | Microkelvin [µK] | Reference point |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | Absolute zero |
| 233150 | 2.3315e+8 | Where Celsius and Fahrenheit coincide (−40°) |
| 255372.2222222222 | 2.553722e+8 | Zero Fahrenheit (0 °F) |
| 273150 | 2.7315e+8 | Water freezes (0 °C / 32 °F) |
| 273160 | 2.7316e+8 | Triple point of water |
| 283150 | 2.8315e+8 | Cool day (10 °C / 50 °F) |
| 293150 | 2.9315e+8 | Room temperature (20 °C / 68 °F) |
| 298150 | 2.9815e+8 | Standard laboratory temperature (25 °C) |
| 303150 | 3.0315e+8 | Hot day (30 °C / 86 °F) |
| 310150 | 3.1015e+8 | Human body temperature (37 °C / 98.6 °F) |
| 313150 | 3.1315e+8 | Heat-wave day (40 °C / 104 °F) |
| 323150 | 3.2315e+8 | Hot tap water (50 °C / 122 °F) |
| 373150 | 3.7315e+8 | Water boils (100 °C / 212 °F) |
| 453150 | 4.5315e+8 | Moderate baking oven (180 °C / 356 °F) |
| 5778000 | 5.778e+9 | Surface of the Sun (≈5,505 °C) |
Frequently asked questions
How many microkelvins is 1 millikelvin?
How do I convert millikelvins to microkelvins?
How do I convert microkelvins back to millikelvins?
How many microkelvins is 100 millikelvins?
Can a temperature be below absolute zero?
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SI Prefixed Kelvin (4 units)
Sources & references
Conversion relationship (1 mK = 1000 µK) verified against the following authoritative sources:
- BIPM — The International System of Units (SI Brochure 9th ed.)
Official BIPM publication defining the seven SI base units (including the meter) and the rules for their use. The global authority on units of measurement.
- NIST — Guide to the SI
US National Institute of Standards and Technology reference covering the SI base and derived units with definitions and usage rules for US technical practice.
- NIST Special Publication 811 — Guide for the Use of the International System of Units
Detailed NIST guide covering exact conversion factors between SI and US customary units along with formatting and rounding conventions.
- BIPM — International Temperature Scale of 1990 (ITS-90)
The internationally agreed practical temperature scale, defining fixed points (including the triple point of water at 273.16 K) and interpolation instruments used by national metrology institutes for thermometer calibration worldwide.
- CODATA Internationally Recommended Values of the Fundamental Physical Constants
Committee on Data of the International Science Council; authoritative source for the masses of fundamental particles (electron, proton, neutron) and the atomic mass constant.