What is Celsius to Rankine Conversion?

Converting Celsius to Rankine bridges the everyday metric scale with an absolute temperature scale used in some engineering and scientific contexts. Like Kelvin, Rankine starts at absolute zero, but uses Fahrenheit-sized degrees.

Understanding the Rankine Scale

The Rankine scale (°R) is an absolute temperature scale, meaning zero represents absolute zero—the coldest possible temperature. Key points:

0°R = Absolute zero (-273.15°C)
491.67°R = Water freezing (0°C)
671.67°R = Water boiling (100°C)
1°R = Same size as 1°F

The Conversion Formula

The formula is: °R = (°C + 273.15) × 9/5. First convert Celsius to Kelvin by adding 273.15, then multiply by 1.8 to get Rankine.

When You Might Use Rankine

Rankine appears in some engineering textbooks, technical specifications, and thermodynamics problems, particularly in materials from the United States. It's less common than Kelvin but useful to understand.

How to Use the Celsius to Rankine Converter

Conversion Steps

Enter Celsius value - Type the temperature you want to convert
Read Rankine result - See the absolute temperature
Copy if needed - Use the copy button to save the result

Common Temperature Conversions

-273.15°C = 0°R - Absolute zero
-40°C = 419.67°R - Very cold
0°C = 491.67°R - Freezing point
20°C = 527.67°R - Room temperature
37°C = 558.27°R - Body temperature
100°C = 671.67°R - Boiling point

Relationship to Other Scales

Rankine relates to Fahrenheit the same way Kelvin relates to Celsius. Both absolute scales (Kelvin, Rankine) start at absolute zero; they just use different degree sizes.

Quick Reference

Room temperature is about 528°R. Everyday temperatures typically fall between 450-600°R.

Converter Features

Accurate Calculation

Results display to 4 decimal places, providing the precision needed for technical and educational applications.

Useful Reference Points

Quick reference shows common temperatures:

0°R (-273.15°C) - Absolute zero
491.67°R (0°C) - Freezing point
527.67°R (20°C) - Room temperature
671.67°R (100°C) - Boiling point

Real-Time Calculation

Results update instantly as you type, enabling quick comparison of multiple temperatures.

Bidirectional Conversion

Use the swap button to convert Rankine back to Celsius. Helpful when you need to work in both directions.

Copy Functionality

One-click copy puts the Rankine value on your clipboard for use in calculations or documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the formula to convert Celsius to Rankine?

The formula is °R = (°C + 273.15) × 9/5. Add 273.15 to get Kelvin, then multiply by 1.8 to convert to Rankine.

What is the Rankine scale?

Rankine is an absolute temperature scale that uses Fahrenheit-sized degrees. Like Kelvin, it starts at absolute zero (0°R), but 1°R equals 1°F in size.

How does Rankine compare to Kelvin?

Both are absolute scales starting at absolute zero. Kelvin uses Celsius-sized degrees (1 K = 1°C), while Rankine uses Fahrenheit-sized degrees (1°R = 1°F). So 1 K = 1.8°R.

Can Rankine be negative?

No. Like Kelvin, Rankine is an absolute scale. The lowest possible value is 0°R (absolute zero). Negative Rankine temperatures are physically impossible.

What is room temperature in Rankine?

Room temperature of about 20°C equals approximately 528°R.

When would I use Rankine instead of Kelvin?

Rankine is sometimes used in engineering contexts that also use Fahrenheit and other US customary units. Kelvin is more common internationally.

Celsius to Rankine