Turn (turn) - Unit Information & Conversion

Quick Answer

What is a Turn? A turn is one complete circular rotation equal to 360 degrees or 2π radians. Identical to a revolution or full rotation. Used in CSS animations, engineering, dance, and everyday descriptions of rotational movement. 1 turn = 360° = 2π rad = 1 revolution. Use our angle converter for instant conversions.

Definition

1 turn = 1 complete circular rotation = 360 degrees = 2π radians ≈ 6.2832 radians

Key conversions:

• 1 turn = 360 degrees
• 1 turn = 2π ≈ 6.2832 radians
• 1 turn = 400 gradians (or gons)
• 1 turn = 4 quadrants
• 1 turn = 1 revolution
• 0.5 turn = 180 degrees (half turn)
• 0.25 turn = 90 degrees (quarter turn)

Symbol: turn (no standard abbreviation)

Common Uses

CSS/Web Design: CSS3 transform property uses "turn" unit for rotations (e.g., rotate(0.5turn)). Engineering: Describing screw threads, bolt rotations, valve operations ("turn clockwise 2 turns"). Dance and Sports: Figure skating jumps, gymnastics rotations, dance pirouettes. Everyday Language: "Turn the key 3 turns," "Turn the screw half a turn."

Real-World Examples

CSS and Web Design

CSS transform rotation:

/* These are all equivalent: */
transform: rotate(1turn);
transform: rotate(360deg);
transform: rotate(2πrad);

/* Common CSS turn values: */
rotate(0.25turn) /* 90° - quarter turn */
rotate(0.5turn)  /* 180° - half turn */
rotate(0.75turn) /* 270° - three-quarter turn */
rotate(1turn)    /* 360° - full turn */
rotate(2turn)    /* 720° - two full turns */

Advantages in CSS: More intuitive than degrees for full rotations, easier to read and understand.

Mechanical Applications

• Screw threads: "Tighten bolt 2 full turns" = 720°
• Valve operation: "Open valve 1.5 turns" = 540°
• Combination locks: "Turn right 2 turns to 15"
• Wrench operation: "Torque to spec in 3 quarter-turns"
• Lathe operations: Threads per inch based on turns

Sports and Dance

• Figure skating jumps:

  • Single jump: 1 turn (360°)
  • Double jump: 2 turns (720°)
  • Triple jump: 3 turns (1080°)
  • Quadruple jump: 4 turns (1440°)

• Gymnastics floor routine: Double backflip with 2 turns

• Dance pirouettes: Single, double, triple turns

• Diving: "Forward 2½ somersaults with 1 turn"

Everyday Objects

• Door locks: "Turn key 3/4 turn to lock"
• Faucets: "Turn handle 1/4 turn for water"
• Light bulb installation: "Turn bulb 2 turns until snug"
• Jar lids: "Turn counterclockwise 1.5 turns to open"
• Bicycle pedals: "Turn pedals 10 complete turns"

Animation and Graphics

• 3D modeling: Object rotation specified in turns
• Animation software: Keyframe rotations (0.5 turn, 1 turn, 2 turns)
• Game development: Character rotation (quarterTurn, halfTurn, fullTurn)
• Motion graphics: Spinning logos and elements