How to convert knots to kilometers per hour
To convert a measurement in knots to kilometers per hour, multiply the value by 1.852. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the meter per second.
For example, to convert 5 kn to kilometers per hour: 5 × 1.852 = 9.26 km/h.
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 kilometer per hour?
The kilometer per hour is a metric unit of speed equal to one kilometer traveled in one hour, or exactly 1/3.6 meters per second. Km/h became the standard for road speed limits in most of the world as motor vehicles spread in the 20th century, pairing naturally with the metric system's kilometer.
Common uses of kilometers per hour include: Road speed limits in most countries; Vehicle speedometers worldwide; Weather reports for wind speed; Cycling and running pace tracking.
Knots to kilometers per hour worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 kn = 1.852 km/h 5 kn = 9.26 km/h 10 kn = 18.52 km/h 50 kn = 92.6 km/h 100 kn = 185.2 km/h
Frequently asked questions
How many kilometers per hour are in one knot?
One knot (kn) equals 1.852 kilometers per hour (km/h). Multiply any value in knots by 1.852 to convert to kilometers per hour.
How do I convert knots to kilometers per hour?
Multiply the value in knots by 1.852. For example, 5 kn × 1.852 = 9.26 km/h.
How do I convert kilometers per hour to knots?
Multiply the value in kilometers per hour by 0.539956803456, or divide by 1.852. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the knot to kilometer per hour 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 kilometers per hour?
The formula is: km/h = kn × 1.852. This comes from the definition of both units relative to the meter per second.