Nonlinear models for a thin ring rotating at a constant speed are developed. The geometric nonlinearity of displacements is considered by adopting the Lagrange strain theory for the circumferential strain. By using Hamilton’s principle, the coupled nonlinear partial differential equations are derived, which describe the out-of-plane and in-plane bending, extensional and torsional motions. The natural frequencies are calculated from the linearized equations at various rotational speeds. Finally, the computation results from the nonlinear models are compared with those from a linear model. Based on the comparison, this study recommends which model is appropriate to describe the behavior of the rotating ring.