Rankine to Kelvin Converter
Enter the value that you want to convert Rankine (°R) to kelvin (K) or kelvin to Rankine.Also written as °R to K conversion.
1 Rankine = 0.5555556 kelvin
Formula: K = °R × 5/9
°R to K — Rankine to kelvin
10 Rankine = 5.55556 kelvin
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Rankine vs Kelvin
The Rankine Explained
The Rankine scale is the Fahrenheit-based absolute temperature scale, starting at absolute zero (0°R = −459.67°F).
Developed by Scottish engineer William Rankine in 1859, the Rankine scale (°R) is used primarily in American engineering for thermodynamic calculations. It relates to Fahrenheit as Kelvin relates to Celsius — same degree size but offset to absolute zero. The Rankine cycle (steam power plant efficiency) and some US aerospace engineering calculations use this scale. To convert: °R = °F + 459.67.
The Kelvin Explained
The Kelvin scale begins at absolute zero (−273.15°C) — the theoretical lowest possible temperature where all molecular motion ceases.
Kelvin (K) is the SI base unit of temperature, essential in physics, chemistry, and engineering. It uses the same increment size as Celsius but starts at absolute zero. Key values: 0 K = absolute zero, 273.15 K = water freezes, 373.15 K = water boils. Kelvin is required for gas law calculations (PV=nRT), thermodynamic efficiency, color temperature in photography/lighting (5500K = daylight), and cryogenic engineering.
Temperature Scales in Context
Temperature conversion is one of the few non-linear unit conversions people encounter daily. Celsius dominates scientific work and most countries, Fahrenheit remains standard in the US for weather and cooking, Kelvin is required in thermodynamics and gas law calculations, and Rankine appears in some US engineering applications. Converting between these scales requires formulas rather than simple multiplication.
Rankine to kelvin metric conversion table
| 0.01 °R | = | 0.00556 K |
| 0.1 °R | = | 0.05556 K |
| 1 °R | = | 0.55556 K |
| 2 °R | = | 1.11111 K |
| 3 °R | = | 1.66667 K |
| 4 °R | = | 2.22222 K |
| 5 °R | = | 2.77778 K |
| 6 °R | = | 3.33333 K |
| 7 °R | = | 3.88889 K |
| 8 °R | = | 4.44444 K |
| 9 °R | = | 5.00000 K |
| 10 °R | = | 5.55556 K |
| 11 °R | = | 6.11111 K |
| 12 °R | = | 6.66667 K |
| 13 °R | = | 7.22222 K |
| 14 °R | = | 7.77778 K |
| 15 °R | = | 8.33333 K |
| 16 °R | = | 8.88889 K |
| 17 °R | = | 9.44444 K |
| 18 °R | = | 10.00000 K |
| 19 °R | = | 10.55556 K |
| 20 °R | = | 11.11111 K |
| 30 °R | = | 16.66667 K |
| 40 °R | = | 22.22222 K |
| 50 °R | = | 27.77778 K |
| 60 °R | = | 33.33333 K |
| 70 °R | = | 38.88889 K |
| 80 °R | = | 44.44444 K |
| 90 °R | = | 50.00000 K |
| 100 °R | = | 55.55556 K |
| 200 °R | = | 111.11111 K |
| 300 °R | = | 166.66667 K |
| 400 °R | = | 222.22222 K |
| 500 °R | = | 277.77778 K |
| 600 °R | = | 333.33333 K |
| 700 °R | = | 388.88889 K |
| 800 °R | = | 444.44444 K |
| 900 °R | = | 500.00000 K |
| 1000 °R | = | 555.55556 K |
How to Convert °R to K (Rankine to Kelvin)?
We can convert Rankine to kelvin by using an example.
Example:
Convert 20 Rankine to Kelvin?
We know 1 Rankine = 0.5555556 kelvin; 1 Kelvin = 1.8000000 Rankine.
20 Rankine = ___K
20 × 0.5555556 = 11.11111 K (we know 1 Rankine = 0.5555556 kelvin)
Answer:
20 Rankine = 11.11111 kelvin
Rankine to Kelvin Conversion
Divide by 9/5 (multiply by 5/9) — the inverse of K-to-R:
- Write down the Rankine temperature.
- Multiply by 5/9 (or divide by 1.8).
- The result is Kelvin.
Solved Examples
Question 1: Convert 491.67°R to Kelvin.
Solution:
K = °R × 5/9
= 491.67 × 5/9
Answer: 491.67°R = 273.15 K (water freezing)
Question 2: Convert 900°R to Kelvin.
Solution:
K = 900 × 5/9
= 500
Answer: 900°R = 500 K
Practice Questions
Try solving these on your own to test your understanding:
- Convert 0°R to Kelvin. (Answer: 0 K)
- Convert 540°R to Kelvin. (Answer: 300 K)
- What is 671.67°R in Kelvin? (Answer: 373.15 K)
Key Takeaways
- K = °R × 5/9 (divide by 1.8).
- 0°R = 0 K (absolute zero in both).
- 491.67°R = 273.15 K.
Rankine to Kelvin Conversion Formula
K = °R × 5/9
1 Rankine = 0.5555556 kelvin
1 kelvin = 1.8000000 Rankine
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kelvin are in 1 Rankine?
1 Rankine equals 0.55556 kelvin. Note: Temperature conversion uses a formula, not simple multiplication.
How do I convert Rankine to kelvin?
Use the conversion formula shown above. For example, 2.78 kelvin equals 5 Rankine. Temperature scales have different zero points, so a formula (not simple multiplication) is required.
How do I convert kelvin to Rankine?
Use the reverse formula. 1 kelvin equals 1.80000 Rankine. See the formula section above for the exact equation.
What is 10 Rankine in kelvin?
10 Rankine is equal to 5.55556 kelvin.
What is 100 Rankine in kelvin?
100 Rankine is equal to 55.55556 kelvin.