Knots to Miles per Hour Converter

Relationship Between Knots and Miles per Hour

The conversion between knots (kn) and miles per hour (mph) is based on the relationship where 1 knot equals approximately 1.15078 miles per hour.

1 kn = 1.15078 mph

Therefore,

1 kn = 1.15078 mph

To convert knots to miles per hour, we multiply the value in knots by 1.15078.

For example, 10 knots equals approximately 11.51 mph, and 30 knots equals approximately 34.52 mph.

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

Mile per Hour (mph)

What is a Mile per Hour (mph)?

Mile per hour (symbol: mph) is a unit of speed in the imperial and US customary systems, expressing the number of miles traveled in one hour. It is the standard unit for measuring vehicle speeds in the United States, United Kingdom, and a few other countries.

Origin

The mile per hour has been used for centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries. It originated with the imperial system and became the standard speed measurement for transportation as automobiles became common in the early 20th century. Despite global metrication, mph remains the legal standard for road speeds in the US and UK.

Current Use

Miles per hour is primarily used in the United States and United Kingdom for road speed limits, vehicle speedometers, and traffic regulations. It's also used in some Commonwealth countries and in certain industries worldwide, particularly aviation (nautical miles per hour for airspeed). Common speed limits include 30 mph in residential areas, 55-70 mph on highways, and various limits for different road types.

Knots to Miles per Hour Conversion Table

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