How this calculator works
A knot is one nautical mile per hour, where the international nautical mile is exactly 1,852 metres. A statute mile per hour uses the international mile of exactly 1,609.344 metres. Dividing 1,852 by 1,609.344 gives 1.150779, so a speed in knots is about 15 per cent larger than the same number in mph. Aircraft and ships report speed in knots, while road vehicles and wind forecasts in the United States often use mph.
Formula
mph = knots x 1.852 / 1.609344 = knots x 1.150779448. km/h = knots x 1.852. m/s = knots x 0.514444444. ft/s = m/s / 0.3048.
Worked example
100 knots is 115.078 mph, 185.2 km/h, 51.444 m/s and 168.781 ft/s. 10 knots is 11.508 mph. 60 mph is 52.139 knots.
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Frequently asked questions
Is a knot faster than a mile per hour?
Yes. One knot is about 1.15078 mph, so the same number of knots is always a faster speed than the same number of miles per hour.
Which mile does mph use?
The international statute mile of exactly 1,609.344 m. The nautical mile is longer at 1,852 m, which is why the knot is faster.
Are wind speeds in knots or mph?
Marine and aviation forecasts use knots. United States land forecasts and severe weather reports often use mph, while Canada uses km/h. Always check the unit attached to a forecast.