Knots to mph Converter
Need km/h? 1 knot = 1.852 km/h exactly. The chart below shows mph, km/h and m/s together.
Knots to mph and km/h Formulas
Why knots? A nautical mile was defined from one minute of latitude, which makes distances easy to read off navigation charts. That is why ships, aircraft and wind reports use knots. More in speedometer in knots.
Knots Conversion Chart
| knots | mph | km/h | m/s | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 knots | 1.2 | 1.9 | 0.51 | |
| 2 knots | 2.3 | 3.7 | 1.03 | |
| 5 knots | 5.8 | 9.3 | 2.57 | Kayak sprint / no-wake zone (typical) |
| 10 knots | 11.5 | 18.5 | 5.14 | Sailboat in a good breeze |
| 15 knots | 17.3 | 27.8 | 7.72 | |
| 20 knots | 23 | 37 | 10.29 | Cruise ship |
| 25 knots | 28.8 | 46.3 | 12.86 | |
| 30 knots | 34.5 | 55.6 | 15.43 | |
| 35 knots | 40.3 | 64.8 | 18.01 | Gale-force wind starts at 34 kn |
| 40 knots | 46 | 74.1 | 20.58 | |
| 50 knots | 57.5 | 92.6 | 25.72 | |
| 60 knots | 69 | 111.1 | 30.87 | |
| 80 knots | 92.1 | 148.2 | 41.16 | |
| 100 knots | 115.1 | 185.2 | 51.44 | |
| 150 knots | 172.6 | 277.8 | 77.17 | Airliner near takeoff |
| 200 knots | 230.2 | 370.4 | 102.89 | |
| 300 knots | 345.2 | 555.6 | 154.33 | |
| 450 knots | 517.9 | 833.4 | 231.5 | Airliner cruise airspeed (approx.) |
| 500 knots | 575.4 | 926 | 257.22 |
Knots for Wind Speed
Marine and aviation forecasts give wind in knots. On the Beaufort scale, a gale (force 8) starts at 34 knots (about 39 mph or 63 km/h), and hurricane force (force 12) begins at 64 knots (about 74 mph or 119 km/h).
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is 1 knot in mph?
1 knot is about 1.151 mph, or 1.852 km/h.
What is 30 knots in mph?
30 knots is 34.52 mph (55.56 km/h).
Is a knot faster than a mile per hour?
Yes. A nautical mile (1,852 m) is longer than a statute mile (1,609 m), so 1 knot is faster than 1 mph.
Why do planes and boats use knots?
Nautical miles fit latitude and longitude on charts, which simplifies navigation over long distances.
How do I measure my speed in knots?
Open the knots speedometer, tap Start and allow location access.