Knots to MPH Converter
Convert speed between knots and miles per hour
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Quick Reference
| Knots | MPH | km/h |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kn | 5.75 mph | 9.26 km/h |
| 10 kn | 11.51 mph | 18.52 km/h |
| 15 kn | 17.26 mph | 27.78 km/h |
| 20 kn | 23.02 mph | 37.04 km/h |
| 25 kn | 28.77 mph | 46.30 km/h |
| 30 kn | 34.52 mph | 55.56 km/h |
| 40 kn | 46.03 mph | 74.08 km/h |
| 50 kn | 57.54 mph | 92.60 km/h |
Formula: MPH = Knots × 1.15078 | Knots = MPH × 0.86898
How to Convert Knots to Miles Per Hour
Use our knots to mph converter above to instantly convert between speed units. Simply enter a value in knots (kn) and get the result in miles per hour. This calculator is designed for navigation, helping sailors and pilots with speed conversion for plotting a course and estimating arrival times.
Quick Formula: 1 knot = 1.15078 mph. To convert from knots to miles per hour, multiply by this factor.
What Is a Knot? Understanding This Speed Unit
A knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. In other words, speed in nautical miles per hour is measured in knots. Since one nautical mile equals one minute of latitude, using knots makes marine navigation simpler when working with traditional paper charts and marine charts.
The term comes from an old method of measuring speed at sea called the “chip log” — a weighted wooden board attached to a rope knotted at measured intervals. Sailors dropped the board overboard, used a sandglass for timing, and counted the knots that passed through their hands. This low-tech but effective method gave us the speed unit we still use today.
While mph is familiar to most Americans for everyday travel, knots remain the standard choice for navigation in marine and aviation contexts. One nautical mile is equal to 1.852 kilometers, which also explains the conversion to kilometers per hour.
Knots to MPH Conversion Table
Use this conversion table as a quick reference for common speed values:
| Knots (kn) | Miles Per Hour (mph) | Kilometers Per Hour (km/h) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 knots | 5.75 mph | 9.26 km/h |
| 10 knots | 11.51 mph | 18.52 km/h |
| 15 knots | 17.26 mph | 27.78 km/h |
| 20 knots | 23.02 mph | 37.04 km/h |
| 25 knots | 28.77 mph | 46.30 km/h |
| 30 knots | 34.52 mph | 55.56 km/h |
| 40 knots | 46.03 mph | 74.08 km/h |
| 50 knots | 57.54 mph | 92.60 km/h |
Conversion Formulas
Convert Knots to Miles Per Hour
MPH = Knots × 1.15078
Example: 20 knots = 23.02 mph
Convert MPH to Knots
Knots = MPH × 0.86898
Knots to Kilometers
km/h = Knots × 1.852
Use our calculator for quick conversions.
Why Knots Are Used at Sea
Knots are the preferred unit of speed for marine use because nautical miles are directly tied to Earth’s geometry. One minute of latitude equals one nautical mile, making it easy to measure miles traveled on marine charts using latitude and longitude lines.
When measuring speed at sea, knots help with calculating arrival times and fuel consumption. Whether you’re on a sailboat or a large vessel, use our calculator to convert between speed units and communicate clearly with harbormasters and other boats.
Our kn to mph tool helps you quickly convert from knots to miles when you need familiar units for reference.