Convert between land speed (mph) and nautical/aviation speed (knots) with precision. Essential for pilots, sailors, and anyone working with both measurement systems.
Conversion Formula:
1 mile per hour (mph) = 0.868976 knots (kn)
Knots = Miles per Hour × 0.868976
Accepts decimal values (e.g., 65.5 mph)
Precision:
Quick conversions - click to auto-fill:
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These units measure speed but serve different contexts and historical origins
The conversion factor between mph and knots is based on the relationship between statute miles and nautical miles:
1 nautical mile = 1.15077945 statute miles
Therefore: 1 knot = 1.15077945 mph
And conversely: 1 mph = 1 ÷ 1.15077945 = 0.86897624 knots
For practical use: 1 mph ≈ 0.868976 knots
This relationship is crucial for navigation, as nautical miles correspond to degrees of latitude, making calculations of distance and time simpler for sailors and pilots.
Common speed conversions for quick reference in transportation and navigation
| Miles per Hour (mph) | = | Knots (kn) | Common Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mph | = | 8.69 kn | Urban driving |
| 20 mph | = | 17.38 kn | Residential streets |
| 30 mph | = | 26.07 kn | Suburban roads |
| 55 mph | = | 47.79 kn | Highway speed |
| 60 mph | = | 52.14 kn | Interstate driving |
| 100 mph | = | 86.90 kn | Race car speed |
| 200 mph | = | 173.80 kn | High-speed train |
| 500 mph | = | 434.49 kn | Commercial jet |
| 600 mph | = | 521.39 kn | Jet airliner cruising |
All conversions use the factor: 1 mph = 0.868976 knots
Common questions about miles per hour and knots
Knots are used in maritime and aviation because they directly relate to nautical miles, which are based on Earth's geography. One nautical mile equals one minute of latitude, making navigation calculations (distance, time, fuel consumption) much simpler for pilots and sailors.
This system allows for consistent navigation across the globe, regardless of local units of measurement.
One knot is slightly faster than one mile per hour. Specifically:
1 knot = 1.15078 miles per hour
This means a speed of 100 knots is equivalent to approximately 115 mph.
A nautical mile (6,076 feet) is longer than a statute mile (5,280 feet) because it's based on Earth's circumference. One nautical mile equals one minute of arc along a meridian of latitude, which makes it ideal for navigation purposes.
This standardization allows navigators to easily calculate distances using degrees of latitude and longitude.
To convert knots to miles per hour, use the inverse conversion factor: multiply the knot value by 1.15078.
Miles per Hour = Knots × 1.15078
You can also use the "Swap Units" button in this converter to quickly switch to knots-to-mph conversion.
The term originates from 17th century nautical practice, where sailors measured speed using a "chip log"—a wooden panel attached to a rope with evenly spaced knots. The rope was let out over the side of the ship for a specific time (measured with an hourglass), and the number of knots that passed overboard indicated the ship's speed in "knots per hour."
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