Convert Kelvin to Rankine

Convert Kelvin (K) to Rankine (°R) instantly and accurately.

Conversion Formula

°R = K × 9/5

About Kelvin

Kelvin (K) is the base unit of thermodynamic temperature in the International System of Units (SI), named after British physicist Lord Kelvin (William Thomson). It starts at absolute zero (0 K = -273.15°C), the theoretical point where all molecular motion ceases. Unlike other scales, Kelvin uses no degree symbol. This scale is essential in physics, chemistry, and astronomy: room temperature is about 295 K, water freezes at 273.15 K, and the Sun's surface is approximately 5,778 K. It's used in scientific calculations because it's directly proportional to molecular kinetic energy.

About Rankine

Rankine (°R) is an absolute temperature scale named after Scottish engineer William John Macquorn Rankine. Like Kelvin, it starts at absolute zero (0°R = -459.67°F = 0 K), but uses Fahrenheit-sized degree intervals instead of Celsius-sized ones. It's primarily used in engineering applications in the United States, particularly in thermodynamics and steam power calculations. For reference: water freezes at 491.67°R, room temperature is about 530°R, and water boils at 671.67°R. The relationship is simple: °R = °F + 459.67.

Quick Reference Table

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