How many miles per hour are in a knot?

One international knot is equal to approximately 1.15078 miles per hour (mph).

How do you convert knots to mph?

To convert knots to miles per hour (mph), multiply the speed in knots by 1.150779448.

How do you convert mph to knots?

To convert miles per hour (mph) to knots, divide the speed in mph by 1.150779448.

What are knots used for?

Knots are a unit of speed primarily used in maritime and aviation contexts for measuring the speed of vessels and aircraft relative to the fluid (water or air) they are traveling through.

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Knots to MPH (kn to mph) Converter

Created by: James Porter

Last updated: August 26, 2024

The knots to mph (kn to mph) converter provides a quick and accurate way to convert speeds between knots and miles per hour. Enter your speed in either unit to get the corresponding value, essential for any speed-related conversions in nautical or aviation contexts.

What is a Knots to MPH Converter?

A Knots to Miles Per Hour (MPH) Converter is a tool used to convert speeds from knots (nautical miles per hour) to statute miles per hour. This conversion is essential for those involved in maritime activities, aviation, and meteorology, or anyone needing to understand speeds expressed in these different units.

While knots are standard in nautical and aeronautical fields, MPH is more commonly understood by the general public for land-based speeds. This converter helps bridge that understanding.

Knots to MPH Conversion Formulas

The conversion is based on the definition of an international knot:

Knots to MPH:
```
MPH = Knots × 1.150779448
```
MPH to Knots:
```
Knots = MPH / 1.150779448
```

Where:

knots stands for nautical miles per hour
mph stands for statute miles per hour

How to Convert Knots to MPH: Example

Imagine a boat is traveling at a speed of 20 knots.

Identify the speed in knots: 20 knots
Apply the conversion formula (knots to mph): MPH = 20 × 1.150779448
Calculate: MPH ≈ 23.016 mph

So, 20 knots is approximately 23.02 miles per hour.

Conversely, if a wind speed is reported as 30 mph:

Identify the speed in mph: 30 mph
Apply the conversion formula (mph to knots): Knots = 30 / 1.150779448
Calculate: Knots ≈ 26.069 knots

So, 30 mph is approximately 26.07 knots.

Common Applications

This conversion is frequently used in:

Maritime Navigation: Boat speeds and water currents are almost always measured in knots.
Aviation: Aircraft speeds (airspeed) are typically measured in knots.
Meteorology: Wind speeds, especially in marine forecasts, are often given in knots.
Fishing and Sailing: Recreational boaters and sailors use knots to gauge speed.
Aerospace Engineering: For calculations involving fluid dynamics.

Sources and References

International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM). (2019). *The International System of Units (SI)*, 9th edition. (Defines the nautical mile).
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (n.d.). *What is a knot?*. (Explains the unit and its usage).