Knot Converter
Convert Knots to Other Speed Units
Quick Conversions
Understanding the Knot Unit
The knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. It is commonly used in meteorology, and by mariners and aviators. Its historical origin is in the practice of measuring the speed of a ship by counting the number of knots in the log line that paid out in a given time.
Common Knot Conversions
Here is a table of common knot conversions for quick reference:
| Knots (knot) | m/s | km/h | mph |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.514444 | 1.852 | 1.15078 |
| 5 | 2.57222 | 9.26 | 5.7539 |
| 10 | 5.14444 | 18.52 | 11.5078 |
Other conversions from knots
Knots can be converted to various other units of speed. Here are some common conversions:
- Meters per Second (m/s) - 1 knot = 0.514444 m/s
- Kilometers per Hour (km/h) - 1 knot = 1.852 km/h
- Miles per Hour (mph) - 1 knot = 1.15078 mph
- Feet per Second (ft/s) - 1 knot = 1.68781 ft/s
- Mach - 1 knot = 0.0015 mach
- Speed of Light (c) - 1 knot = 1.71489e-9 c
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a knot?
A knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, approximately 1.852 kilometers per hour or 1.151 miles per hour. It is commonly used in maritime and aviation contexts.
Why is the knot used in aviation and maritime?
The knot is used because it directly relates to nautical miles, which are based on the Earth's circumference. This makes navigation calculations simpler for pilots and sailors.