Dry ice sublimation point
The dry ice sublimation point is the temperature at which solid carbon dioxide turns directly into gas at standard atmospheric pressure.
Also known as: dry ice temperature, carbon dioxide sublimation point
How big is it?
-78.5 °C · sublimation temperature at one atmosphere
Also -109.3 °F
Sublimation temperature at one atmosphere · approximate
A little perspective
Dry ice sublimation point vs Water triple point: temperature comparison
The dry ice sublimation point is 78.51 K lower than the water triple point.
The dry ice sublimation point is the temperature at which solid carbon dioxide turns directly into gas at standard atmospheric pressure.
The water triple point is the unique temperature and pressure at which water can exist simultaneously as solid, liquid, and vapour in equilibrium.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Dry ice sublimation point
Sublimation temperature at one atmosphere: -78.5 °C; approximate.
Solid carbon dioxide sublimates near 194.65 K (−78.5 °C) at one atmosphere rather than melting. Pressure changes the phase boundary.
NIST Chemistry WebBook — Carbon dioxide
The marked sublimation temperature at one atmosphere is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Water triple point
Triple-point temperature: 0.01 °C; specified.
The triple point of water is 273.16 K for a specified isotopic composition at its equilibrium pressure. It is distinct from ordinary freezing water at atmospheric pressure.
IAPWS — Fundamental physical constants of water
The marked triple-point temperature is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use -78.5 °C
We compare the dry ice sublimation point. This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty.
Solid carbon dioxide sublimates near 194.65 K (−78.5 °C) at one atmosphere rather than melting. Pressure changes the phase boundary.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| -78.5 °C | Not recorded | approximate |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueTemperatureLiquid methane boiling point-161.1 °CRepresentative boiling temperatureLiquid methane boiling point is the temperature at which methane changes from liquid to gas near atmospheric pressure.Around the same scaleTemperatureLiquid ammonia boiling point-33.15 °CRepresentative boiling temperatureLiquid ammonia boiling point is the temperature at which ammonia boils and turns into gas near atmospheric pressure.Nearest higher valueTemperatureFreezing water0 °CTemperatureFreezing water is liquid water at the temperature where it begins to turn into ice under normal pressure.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NIST Chemistry WebBook — Carbon dioxideCarbon-dioxide phase data and sublimation temperature.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
TemperatureBoiling nitrogen77.36 KBoiling nitrogen is nitrogen gas produced when liquid nitrogen is heated at normal atmospheric pressure.TemperatureFreezing water0 °CFreezing water is liquid water at the temperature where it begins to turn into ice under normal pressure.TemperatureWater triple point0.01 °CThe water triple point is the unique temperature and pressure at which water can exist simultaneously as solid, liquid, and vapour in equilibrium.TemperatureA freezing winter day-10 °CA freezing winter day is weather cold enough for outdoor water to turn to ice.TemperatureGallium melting plateau at standard pressure29.76 °CThis is the temperature at which pure gallium changes from solid to liquid under normal atmospheric pressure.TemperatureRoom temperature20 °CRoom temperature describes indoor air conditions generally considered comfortable for people and suitable for ordinary activities.TemperatureA warm summer day30 °CA warm summer day is weather with outdoor air noticeably hotter than average, typical of summer in temperate regions.TemperatureHuman body temperature37 °CHuman body temperature is the internal temperature maintained by a healthy person under normal conditions.