Degree Réaumur Conversion Tool - Convert °Re to Any Unit
Convert Degrees Réaumur to Other Units
Quick Conversions
Convert Other Units to Degrees Réaumur
Quick Conversions
Related Temperature Units
Degree Réaumur Conversion Table
This table shows the conversion formulas from Degree Réaumur to other common temperature units. Use this as a quick reference for temperature calculations.
| From Degree Réaumur (°Re) | To Unit | Formula |
|---|---|---|
| Réaumur to Celsius | Celsius (°C) | °C = °Re × 1.25 |
| Réaumur to Fahrenheit | Fahrenheit (°F) | °F = °Re × 2.25 + 32 |
| Réaumur to Kelvin | Kelvin (K) | K = °Re × 1.25 + 273.15 |
| Réaumur to Rankine | Rankine (°R) | °R = °Re × 2.25 + 491.67 |
What is a Degree Réaumur?
The degree Réaumur (symbol: °Re, °Ré, °R) is a unit of temperature named after René Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur, who proposed it in 1730. On the Réaumur scale, the freezing point of water is 0°Re and the boiling point is 80°Re. Therefore, a Réaumur degree is 1.25 times the size of a Celsius degree.
Although it was once widely used in Europe, particularly in France, Germany, and Russia, it has been largely replaced by the Celsius scale. Our temperature conversion tool helps you easily convert between Réaumur and other units.
Is Réaumur an SI Unit?
No, the degree Réaumur is not an SI unit. The SI base unit for temperature is the Kelvin (K). The Réaumur scale is a historical scale that is not used for scientific or technical purposes today. However, it can be converted to and from Kelvin and other scales:
- To convert from Réaumur to Kelvin: K = °Re × 1.25 + 273.15
- To convert from Kelvin to Réaumur: °Re = (K - 273.15) × 0.8
What are Degrees Réaumur Used For?
Historically, the Réaumur scale was used for various applications, especially in parts of Europe. Its use has significantly declined, and it is now considered obsolete for most practical purposes.
18th-19th Century Science
Early scientific research and meteorological records in some European countries were recorded in degrees Réaumur.
Cooking and Brewing
Some old recipes and brewing instructions, particularly from France and Germany, may use the Réaumur scale for temperature settings.
Cheese Production
Certain traditional cheesemaking processes, like for Parmigiano-Reggiano in Italy, historically used thermometers marked with the Réaumur scale.
Literary References
The scale appears in classic literature from authors like Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Flaubert, reflecting its common use during that era.
Etymology and History
The scale is named after René Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur (1683–1757), a French scientist. He developed a thermometer using diluted alcohol and set the freezing point of water at 0 degrees. He chose 80 degrees for the boiling point of water, as his thermometer's alcohol mixture expanded by 8% in volume between the freezing and boiling points of water (0.1% per degree).
The Réaumur scale was the preferred temperature scale in France for nearly a century before the country officially adopted the Celsius scale in 1794. Its simplicity (0 for freezing, 80 for boiling) made it popular, but the rise of the metric system and the Celsius scale eventually led to its obsolescence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert from degrees Réaumur to other units?
You can use our conversion tool above or apply the specific formula. For example, to convert Réaumur to Celsius, multiply by 1.25 (°C = °Re × 1.25). To convert Réaumur to Fahrenheit, multiply by 2.25 and add 32 (°F = °Re × 2.25 + 32). Our calculator handles these conversions automatically.
Why is the Réaumur scale not commonly used today?
The Réaumur scale was largely superseded by the Celsius scale, which was adopted as part of the metric system. The Celsius scale's 100-degree range between the freezing and boiling points of water was considered more convenient for decimal-based calculations, leading to its widespread international adoption in science and daily life.
How is the Réaumur scale defined?
The Réaumur scale is defined by two fixed points: the freezing point of water at 0°Re and the boiling point of water at 80°Re. This makes each degree on the Réaumur scale equal to 1/80th of the temperature difference between these two points.
What were the historical uses of the Réaumur scale?
It was commonly used in 18th and 19th century Europe for domestic, industrial, and meteorological purposes. It was particularly prevalent in France, Germany, and Russia before the Celsius scale became the standard. You might encounter it in historical documents, scientific papers, or classic literature from that period.
Is your Réaumur conversion tool free?
Yes, our degree Réaumur conversion calculator is completely free to use. There is no need to sign up. Just enter your value, select the units, and get an instant, accurate conversion for your temperature measurement needs.