Kilometers per Hour to Knots Converter

Relationship Between Kilometers per Hour and Knots

The conversion between kilometers per hour (km/h) and knots (kn) is based on the relationship where 1 nautical mile equals 1.852 kilometers exactly.

1 kn = 1.852 km/h

Therefore,

1 km/h = 1/1.852 kn ≈ 0.539957 kn

To convert kilometers per hour to knots, we divide the value in km/h by 1.852.

For example, 18.52 km/h equals 10 kn, and 55.56 km/h equals 30 kn.

Kilometer per Hour (km/h)

What is a Kilometer per Hour (km/h)?

Kilometer per hour (symbol: km/h) is a unit of speed in the International System of Units (SI), expressing the number of kilometers traveled in one hour. It is the standard unit for measuring vehicle speeds in most countries worldwide.

History and Origin

The kilometer per hour became widely adopted with the metric system and the rise of automobile transportation. It provides a convenient way to express vehicle speeds using the metric system's base unit of length (kilometer) and the standard unit of time (hour).

Current Use

• Traffic speed limits: Used in most countries for road signs and speed regulations
• Vehicle speedometers: Standard unit displayed on cars, motorcycles, and bicycles in metric countries
• Weather reports: Wind speeds and storm movement speeds
• Sports: Running, cycling, and other athletic performance metrics
• Aviation: Some aircraft speeds, especially at lower altitudes
• Marine navigation: Some boat and ship speeds

Knot (kn)

What is a Knot (kn)?

A knot (symbol: kn) is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. It is commonly used in maritime and aviation contexts for measuring the speed of ships, aircraft, and wind speeds.

History and Origin

The term 'knot' dates back to the 17th century when sailors measured the speed of a ship by using a 'common log', a rope with knots tied at regular intervals. The rope was thrown overboard, and the number of knots that passed through a sailor's hands in a specific time period indicated the ship's speed. The nautical mile was standardized as 1,852 meters (approximately 6,076 feet) in 1929, and this remains the international standard.

Current Use

• Maritime navigation: Standard unit for ship and boat speeds
• Aviation: Used for aircraft airspeed, especially in general aviation and meteorology
• Weather reports: Wind speeds, especially in marine weather forecasts
• Sailing: Racing and recreational sailing speed measurements
• Marine law: Used in international maritime regulations

Kilometer per Hour to Knots Conversion Table

The conversion of kilometers per hour to knots for certain values are provided below: