This is one of six ratings (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th) in the rating system of the Royal Navy.

In the British Royal Navy, a fifth-rate was a sailing frigate mounting 32 to 40 guns on a single deck.

Fifth-rate ships acted as fast scouts or independent cruisers and included of variety of gun arrangements from 32 12 pounders to 36, 38 or even 40 18 pound guns. Tonnage ranged from 700 to 1450 tons, with crews of 250 to 300 men.