How to convert knots to meters per second
To convert a measurement in knots to meters per second, multiply the value by 0.514444444444. The conversion factor comes from the relationship between both units and the meter per second.
For example, to convert 5 kn to meters per second: 5 × 0.514444444444 = 2.572222 m/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 meter per second?
The meter per second is the SI unit of speed, equal to the distance in meters traveled in one second. As the coherent SI unit of speed, m/s follows directly from the base units of length (meter) and time (second) and is the standard in physics and engineering worldwide.
Common uses of meters per second include: Physics and engineering calculations; Wind speed in scientific reporting; Athletic sprint and swim speeds; Fluid flow and machinery velocities.
Knots to meters per second worked examples
Here are some common values converted:
1 kn = 0.514444444444 m/s 5 kn = 2.572222 m/s 10 kn = 5.144444 m/s 50 kn = 25.722222 m/s 100 kn = 51.444444 m/s
Frequently asked questions
How many meters per second are in one knot?
One knot (kn) equals 0.514444444444 meters per second (m/s). Multiply any value in knots by 0.514444444444 to convert to meters per second.
How do I convert knots to meters per second?
Multiply the value in knots by 0.514444444444. For example, 5 kn × 0.514444444444 = 2.572222 m/s.
How do I convert meters per second to knots?
Multiply the value in meters per second by 1.943844, or divide by 0.514444444444. Use the swap button on the converter above to reverse the direction.
Is the knot to meter 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 meters per second?
The formula is: m/s = kn × 0.514444444444. This comes from the definition of both units relative to the meter per second.