What is Kelvin to Rankine Conversion?

Converting Kelvin to Rankine translates between two absolute temperature scales. Both start at absolute zero, but they use different degree sizes—Kelvin uses Celsius-sized degrees while Rankine uses Fahrenheit-sized degrees.

Two Absolute Scales

Understanding the relationship between these scales:

Same zero point: 0 K = 0°R = absolute zero
Different degree size: 1 K = 1.8°R
Kelvin: International scientific standard (SI)
Rankine: Used in some US engineering contexts

The Simple Formula

The conversion is a simple multiplication: °R = K × 9/5 (or K × 1.8). This ratio exists because Fahrenheit degrees are 9/5 the size of Celsius degrees.

When to Use This Conversion

Convert Kelvin to Rankine when working with materials that mix international (SI) and US customary units, or when studying thermodynamics problems that use both scales.

How to Use the Kelvin to Rankine Converter

Conversion Steps

Enter Kelvin value - Type the temperature in the left field
Read Rankine result - See the converted value on the right
Copy if needed - Use the copy button to save the result

Common Temperature Conversions

0 K = 0°R - Absolute zero
100 K = 180°R - Very cold
273 K = 491°R - Around freezing
293 K = 527°R - Room temperature
373 K = 672°R - Around boiling
500 K = 900°R - High temperature

Mental Math

To estimate, multiply Kelvin by 2 and subtract 10%. Example: 300 K × 2 = 600, minus 10% (60) = 540°R. Exact answer: 540°R.

Understanding the Relationship

Since both scales start at zero, the conversion is a simple ratio. Rankine values are always 1.8 times the corresponding Kelvin value.

Converter Features

Precise Calculation

Results display to 4 decimal places, maintaining accuracy for technical and educational applications.

Useful Reference Points

Quick reference shows the relationship:

0 K = 0°R - Absolute zero
273 K ≈ 492°R - Freezing point
293 K ≈ 527°R - Room temperature
373 K ≈ 672°R - Boiling point

Instant Results

Rankine values update as you type, enabling quick conversion of multiple temperatures.

Bidirectional Swap

Use the swap button to convert Rankine back to Kelvin (divide by 1.8).

Copy to Clipboard

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 Kelvin to Rankine?

The formula is °R = K × 9/5 (or K × 1.8). Simply multiply the Kelvin value by 1.8 to get Rankine.

Why is the ratio 9/5 (or 1.8)?

Fahrenheit degrees are 9/5 the size of Celsius degrees. Since Rankine uses Fahrenheit-sized degrees and Kelvin uses Celsius-sized degrees, the same ratio applies.

Is 0 Kelvin the same as 0 Rankine?

Yes, both equal absolute zero—the theoretical temperature where all molecular motion stops. They share the same zero point.

What is room temperature in both scales?

Room temperature of about 20°C equals 293 K or approximately 527°R.

Which scale is more common?

Kelvin is the international SI standard and more widely used. Rankine appears mainly in some US engineering contexts and older technical literature.

Is this conversion exact?

Yes, the formula °R = K × 9/5 is mathematically exact. Both scales are precisely defined, so the conversion introduces no approximation.

Kelvin to Rankine