Kelvin Converter
Convert Kelvin to Rankine and more • 15 conversions
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Unit Explanations
KelvinK
Source UnitThe Kelvin (K) is the base unit of temperature in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined by taking the fixed numerical value of the Boltzmann constant, k, to be 1.380649×10^-23 when expressed in the unit J K^-1, which is equal to kg m^2 s^-2 K^-1. The Kelvin is used to measure thermodynamic temperature and is one of the seven SI base units. Unlike Celsius, the Kelvin scale is an absolute scale starting from absolute zero, the point at which all molecular motion ceases.
Current Use
The Kelvin is widely used in scientific research, particularly in physics and chemistry, where precise temperature measurements are crucial. It is also used in engineering applications and space sciences, due to its absolute nature. The Kelvin is vital in any field where temperature plays a critical role, from material science to cosmology.
Fun Fact
The Kelvin scale does not use degrees, unlike Celsius and Fahrenheit.
Rankine°R
Target UnitThe Rankine scale is an absolute temperature scale named after the Scottish engineer and physicist William John Macquorn Rankine. It is primarily used in thermodynamics and engineering fields in the United States. The Rankine scale sets its zero point at absolute zero, the same as the Kelvin scale, but uses degrees Fahrenheit for its increments. This means that a change of 1 degree Rankine is equivalent to a change of 1 degree Fahrenheit. The formula for converting Fahrenheit to Rankine is °R = °F + 459.67.
Current Use
The Rankine scale is currently used in engineering fields, particularly in the United States, for thermodynamic calculations. Although it is not as widely used as it once was, Rankine is still relevant in certain niche areas where absolute temperature measurements are required. Industries such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) utilize Rankine for specific applications.
Fun Fact
Rankine is mostly used in the US, similar to how Kelvin is used worldwide.
Convert Kelvin to Rankine (K to °R)
Convert Kelvin (K) to Rankine (°R). This converts between the two primary 'absolute' temperature scales used in science. Kelvin scales with Celsius, while Rankine scales with Fahrenheit. The ratio is exactly 1.8, just like the ratio between Celsius and Fahrenheit degrees.
Multiply Kelvin by 1.8. For example, 100 K × 1.8 = 180 °R.
Kelvin (K)
Definition
The SI base unit of thermodynamic temperature.
Origins & History
Named after Lord Kelvin, who launched the concept of absolute zero in 1848.
Rankine (°R)
Definition
The absolute temperature scale based on the Fahrenheit degree.
Origins & History
The US engineering counterpart to the Kelvin scale.
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📐Conversion Formula
= × 1.00000How to Convert
To convert to , multiply the value by 1.00000. This conversion factor represents the ratio between these two units.
Quick Examples
💡 Pro Tip: For the reverse conversion ( → ), divide by the conversion factor instead of multiplying.
Kelvin
temperature • SI Unit
Definition
The Kelvin (K) is the base unit of temperature in the International System of Units (SI). It is defined by taking the fixed numerical value of the Boltzmann constant, k, to be 1.380649×10^-23 when expressed in the unit J K^-1, which is equal to kg m^2 s^-2 K^-1. The Kelvin is used to measure thermodynamic temperature and is one of the seven SI base units. Unlike Celsius, the Kelvin scale is an absolute scale starting from absolute zero, the point at which all molecular motion ceases.
History & Origin
The Kelvin scale was developed in the mid-19th century by Lord Kelvin, a prominent physicist, who proposed an absolute temperature scale independent of the properties of a particular substance. This concept of absolute zero provided a uniform scale for comparing temperatures, based on the laws of thermodynamics.
Etymology: Named after Lord Kelvin, born William Thomson, who was a physicist and engineer.
Current Use
The Kelvin is widely used in scientific research, particularly in physics and chemistry, where precise temperature measurements are crucial. It is also used in engineering applications and space sciences, due to its absolute nature. The Kelvin is vital in any field where temperature plays a critical role, from material science to cosmology.
💡 Fun Facts
- •The Kelvin scale does not use degrees, unlike Celsius and Fahrenheit.
- •Absolute zero, 0 K, is theoretically the lowest temperature possible.
- •The Kelvin scale is named after a person, unlike most other SI units.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
Rankine
temperature • Non-SI
Definition
The Rankine scale is an absolute temperature scale named after the Scottish engineer and physicist William John Macquorn Rankine. It is primarily used in thermodynamics and engineering fields in the United States. The Rankine scale sets its zero point at absolute zero, the same as the Kelvin scale, but uses degrees Fahrenheit for its increments. This means that a change of 1 degree Rankine is equivalent to a change of 1 degree Fahrenheit. The formula for converting Fahrenheit to Rankine is °R = °F + 459.67.
History & Origin
The Rankine scale was proposed by William John Macquorn Rankine in 1859. Rankine was a key figure in the development of thermodynamics and sought to create a scale that paralleled Kelvin's absolute temperature scale but used Fahrenheit degrees instead of Celsius. The Rankine scale became particularly useful in the United States, where Fahrenheit was the preferred temperature measurement system. Over time, the Rankine scale has been largely replaced by Kelvin in scientific contexts but remains in use in certain engineering fields.
Etymology: Named after William John Macquorn Rankine.
Current Use
The Rankine scale is currently used in engineering fields, particularly in the United States, for thermodynamic calculations. Although it is not as widely used as it once was, Rankine is still relevant in certain niche areas where absolute temperature measurements are required. Industries such as aerospace, mechanical engineering, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) utilize Rankine for specific applications.
💡 Fun Facts
- •Rankine is mostly used in the US, similar to how Kelvin is used worldwide.
- •The Rankine scale uses the same degree size as Fahrenheit, not Celsius.
- •It was one of the first scales to define absolute zero, similar to Kelvin.
📏 Real-World Examples
🔗 Related Units
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert to ?▼
To convert to , multiply your value by 1. For example, 10 equals 10 .
What is the formula for to conversion?▼
The formula is: = × 1. This conversion factor is based on international standards.
Is this to converter accurate?▼
Yes! MetricConv uses internationally standardized conversion factors from organizations like NIST and ISO. Our calculations support up to 15 decimal places of precision, making it suitable for scientific, engineering, and everyday calculations.
Can I convert back to ?▼
Absolutely! You can use the swap button (⇄) in the converter above to reverse the conversion direction, or visit our to converter.