Kilometer to Nautical Mile Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert kilometers to nautical miles with our free online length converter.
Kilometer to Nautical Mile Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Kilometer).
- The converted value in Nautical Mile will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Length category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Kilometer to Nautical Mile
Converting Kilometer to Nautical Mile involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Kilometer = 0.539957 nautical milesExample Calculation:
Convert 10 kilometers: 10 × 0.539957 = 5.399568 nautical miles
Note: Conversion factors can sometimes be rounded for display purposes. For precise calculations, always use the full factor or rely on the calculator above.
What is a Kilometer and a Nautical Mile?
The kilometer is a unit of length in the metric system equal to one thousand meters (1,000 m). It is commonly used to measure geographic distances.
A nautical mile is a unit of length used in marine and air navigation. It is defined as exactly 1,852 meters.
Note: The Kilometer is part of the metric (SI) system, primarily used globally in science and trade. The Nautical Mile belongs to the imperial/US customary system.
History of the Kilometer and Nautical Mile
Derived directly from the meter, the kilometer was established as part of the metric system in the late 18th century to provide a larger, convenient unit for measuring longer distances, such as those between cities or the lengths of roads.
The nautical mile originated from the length of one minute of arc of latitude along any meridian. It was standardized internationally in 1929.
Common Uses for kilometers and nautical miles
Explore the typical applications for both Kilometer (metric) and Nautical Mile (imperial/US) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for kilometers
- Geography & Travel: Measuring distances between geographical locations (cities, countries).
- Transportation: Road signs indicating distances and speed limits (km/h) in metric countries.
- Mapping: Measuring the length of roads, rivers, or coastlines.
- Athletics: Athletic events like long-distance running (e.g., 5k, 10k, marathon).
- Logistics: Calculating travel times and fuel efficiency.
Common Uses for nautical miles
- Marine navigation
- Air navigation
- Charting distances over water or air
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Kilometer (km)
How many meters are in a kilometer?
There are exactly 1,000 meters (m) in 1 kilometer (km).
What does 'kilo' mean in kilometer?
The prefix 'kilo' denotes one thousand (1,000).
Is a kilometer longer or shorter than a mile?
A kilometer is shorter than a mile. One mile is approximately 1.609 kilometers.
About Nautical Mile (NM)
Why is a nautical mile different from a statute mile?
A statute mile (used on land, 1609.344 meters) is based on historical measurements. A nautical mile (1852 meters) is derived from the Earth's circumference (1 minute of latitude) and simplifies navigation calculations.
How many feet are in a nautical mile?
One nautical mile is approximately 6076.115 feet.
What is a knot in relation to a nautical mile?
A knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. It's commonly used in maritime and aviation contexts.
Conversion Table: Kilometer to Nautical Mile
| Kilometer (km) | Nautical Mile (NM) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.54 |
| 5 | 2.7 |
| 10 | 5.4 |
| 25 | 13.499 |
| 50 | 26.998 |
| 100 | 53.996 |
| 500 | 269.978 |
| 1,000 | 539.957 |