Rankine to Fahrenheit Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert degrees Rankine to degrees Fahrenheit with our free online temperature converter.
Rankine to Fahrenheit Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Rankine).
- The converted value in Fahrenheit will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Temperature category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Rankine to Fahrenheit
Temperature conversions like Rankine to Fahrenheit use specific non-linear formulas.
Formula:
°F = °R - 459.67Example Calculation:
Convert 10°R: 10 - 459.67 = -449.67°F
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Rankine and a Fahrenheit?
The Rankine scale (°R or °Ra) is an absolute thermodynamic temperature scale named after the Scottish engineer and physicist William John Macquorn Rankine. Similar to the Kelvin scale, its zero point is absolute zero, but the degree size is the same as that of the Fahrenheit scale.
Degree Fahrenheit (°F) is a unit of temperature on the Fahrenheit scale, a temperature scale developed by Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. On this scale, the freezing point of water is defined as 32°F and the boiling point as 212°F, placing the two points 180 degrees apart. It is primarily used in the United States and a few other countries for everyday temperature measurements.
Note: The Rankine is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Fahrenheit belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Rankine and Fahrenheit
The scale was proposed by William Rankine in 1859, shortly after the Kelvin scale was developed. It was created to provide an absolute temperature scale that directly corresponded with the Fahrenheit degrees used widely in engineering at the time.
The Fahrenheit scale was proposed in 1724 by the physicist Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. He initially defined 0°F based on the temperature of a brine solution (ice, water, and ammonium chloride) and set human body temperature at 96°F. Later refinements adjusted the scale so that water's freezing point was exactly 32°F and boiling point exactly 212°F.
Common Uses for degrees Rankine and degrees Fahrenheit
Explore the typical applications for both Rankine (imperial/US) and Fahrenheit (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for degrees Rankine
- Engineering (Thermodynamics): Used in some engineering fields, particularly in the United States, where calculations often involve Fahrenheit. It simplifies thermodynamic calculations (like the ideal gas law) when using Imperial units.
- Historical Context: Found in older engineering texts and data.
Common Uses for degrees Fahrenheit
- US Weather: Everyday weather reporting and forecasting in the United States and its territories.
- US Domestic: Domestic temperature settings (thermostats, ovens) in the US.
- US Medical: Medical temperature measurements in the US.
- US Culinary: Some cooking applications, particularly in recipes originating from the US.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Rankine (°R)
What is absolute zero on the Rankine scale?
Absolute zero is 0 °R, which is equivalent to -459.67 °F or -273.15 °C.
How does Rankine relate to Fahrenheit?
A change of 1 °R is equal to a change of 1 °F. The formula is °R = °F + 459.67.
How does Rankine relate to Kelvin?
The Rankine scale uses Fahrenheit degrees, while Kelvin uses Celsius degrees. Both start at absolute zero. The formula is °R = K × 9/5.
About Fahrenheit (°F)
Why is the freezing point of water 32°F?
Fahrenheit's initial scale used different reference points. When the scale was later standardized using water, the freezing point landed at 32°F based on the original scale's divisions.
How does Fahrenheit relate to Celsius?
The relationship is linear but involves an offset. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, use the formula: °C = (°F - 32) * 5/9. To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit: °F = (°C * 9/5) + 32.
Where is Fahrenheit still commonly used?
The United States is the primary country that uses Fahrenheit for everyday temperature measurements. It's also used in some Caribbean countries and US territories like Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Most other countries use Celsius.