How to convert knots to feet per second
To convert a measurement in knots to feet per second, multiply the value by 1.68781. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the meter per second.
For example, to convert 5 kn to feet per second: 5 × 1.68781 = 8.439049 ft/s.
What is a knot?
A knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, or exactly 1.852 km/h (about 0.514 m/s). The knot dates from the age of sail, when speed was measured by counting knots on a rope paid out behind a ship over a timed interval. It remains standard in marine and air navigation.
Common uses of knots include: Maritime navigation and ship speed; Aviation airspeed and ground speed; Wind speed in marine forecasts; Ocean current measurements.
What is a foot per second?
The foot per second is an imperial unit of speed equal to one foot traveled in one second, or exactly 0.3048 meters per second. Ft/s is common in US engineering and ballistics, where distances are measured in feet. Muzzle velocities, fluid flow, and free-fall speeds are frequently expressed this way.
Common uses of feet per second include: Ballistics and muzzle velocity; US engineering and fluid flow; Free-fall and projectile physics; Conveyor and belt speeds.
Knots to feet per second worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 kn = 1.68781 ft/s 5 kn = 8.439049 ft/s 10 kn = 16.878099 ft/s 50 kn = 84.390493 ft/s 100 kn = 168.780986 ft/s
Frequently asked questions
How many feet per second are in one knot?
One knot (kn) equals 1.68781 feet per second (ft/s). Multiply any value in knots by 1.68781 to convert to feet per second.
How do I convert knots to feet per second?
Multiply the value in knots by 1.68781. For example, 5 kn × 1.68781 = 8.439049 ft/s.
How do I convert feet per second to knots?
Multiply the value in feet per second by 0.592483801296, or divide by 1.68781. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the knot to foot per second conversion exact?
Conversions between m/s, km/h, mph, knots and ft/s are exact by definition. Mach uses the speed of sound at sea level and 15°C (340.29 m/s), which varies with temperature and altitude.
What is the formula for knots to feet per second?
The formula is: ft/s = kn × 1.68781. This comes from the definition of both units relative to the meter per second.