How to Convert Celsius to Rankine

The Celsius to Rankine Formula

The conversion involves two steps: converting to an absolute scale, then adjusting degree size:

°R = (°C + 273.15) × 9/5

Or equivalently: °R = (°C × 9/5) + 491.67

Rankine is to Fahrenheit what Kelvin is to Celsius. Both Rankine and Kelvin start at absolute zero, but Rankine uses Fahrenheit-sized degrees while Kelvin uses Celsius-sized degrees. The ratio 9/5 (or 1.8) accounts for the different degree sizes.

Step-by-Step Examples

Example 1: Converting 100°C (Boiling Water) to Rankine

• Step 1: Add 273.15: 100 + 273.15 = 373.15 K.
• Step 2: Multiply by 9/5: 373.15 × 1.8 = 671.67°R.
• Result: 100°C = 671.67°R.

Example 2: Converting 25°C (Room Temperature) to Rankine

• Step 1: 25 + 273.15 = 298.15 K.
• Step 2: 298.15 × 1.8 = 536.67°R.
• Result: 25°C = 536.67°R.

Example 3: Absolute Zero (−273.15°C)

• Calculation: (−273.15 + 273.15) × 1.8 = 0 × 1.8 = 0°R.
• Result: Absolute zero is 0°R, confirming Rankine is an absolute scale.

Temperature Scale Comparison

Real-World Applications

Thermodynamic Engineering

The Rankine scale is used extensively in American engineering, particularly in thermodynamics. The Rankine cycle (used to describe steam turbine power plants) uses absolute temperatures in Rankine degrees for efficiency calculations.

Heat Transfer Calculations

When using equations that require absolute temperatures (such as the Stefan-Boltzmann law for radiative heat transfer) in imperial units, Rankine provides the necessary absolute reference.

HVAC Engineering

American HVAC engineers may encounter Rankine temperatures in thermodynamic property tables and cycle analysis for refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Relationship Between Temperature Scales

Key relationships to remember:

• Rankine to Kelvin: K = °R × 5/9
• Rankine to Fahrenheit: °F = °R − 459.67
• Kelvin to Rankine: °R = K × 9/5

Use our temperature converter for instant conversions between all four scales.