Knot to Meter per second Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert knots to meters per second with our free online speed converter.
Knot to Meter per second Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Knot).
- The converted value in Meter per second will appear automatically in the 'To' field.
- Use the dropdown menus to select different units within the Speed category.
- Click the swap button (⇌) to reverse the conversion direction.
How to Convert Knot to Meter per second
Converting Knot to Meter per second involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Knot = 0.514444 meters per secondExample Calculation:
Convert 60 knots: 60 × 0.514444 = 30.86667 meters per second
Disclaimer: For Reference Only
These conversion results are provided for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the precision of these results, especially for conversions involving extremely large or small numbers which may be subject to the inherent limitations of standard computer floating-point arithmetic.
Not for professional use. Results should be verified before use in any critical application. View our Terms of Service for more information.
What is a Knot and a Meter per second?
The knot (kn) is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, which is exactly 1.852 km/h (approximately 1.15078 mph or 0.514 m/s).
Meters per second (m/s) is the base unit of speed and velocity in the International System of Units (SI). It measures the distance in meters traveled in one second.
Note: The Knot is part of the imperial/US customary system, primarily used in the US, UK, and Canada for everyday measurements. The Meter per second belongs to the metric (SI) system.
History of the Knot and Meter per second
The term knot originates from the 17th century practice of measuring ship speed using a "chip log". This device consisted of a rope with knots tied at uniform intervals (47 feet 3 inches or 14.4018 m), attached to a piece of wood shaped like a sector of a circle. The log was thrown overboard, and sailors counted the number of knots that passed through their hands in a specific time (usually measured by a 28-second sandglass). The number of knots counted in that time directly corresponded to the ship's speed in nautical miles per hour.
The concept of measuring speed evolved with the development of standardized units for distance (meter) and time (second) within the metric system, established during the French Revolution. The formal adoption of m/s as the SI derived unit for velocity solidified its importance in scientific contexts.
Common Uses for knots and meters per second
Explore the typical applications for both Knot (imperial/US) and Meter per second (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for knots
- Maritime Navigation: The primary unit for measuring vessel speed in maritime contexts worldwide.
- Aviation: Standard unit for indicating airspeed for aircraft globally.
- Meteorology: Commonly used to report wind speeds, especially in forecasts for marine and aviation purposes.
Common Uses for meters per second
- Physics & Science: The standard unit for speed and velocity in scientific calculations, experiments, and equations (e.g., calculating acceleration, momentum).
- Engineering: Used in various engineering disciplines for specifying speeds of machinery, fluid flow rates, and other technical parameters.
- Athletics: Sometimes used to measure short-distance running speeds (sprints) and throwing velocities in sports science.
- Meteorology: Wind speed is often measured or converted to m/s for scientific models and international reporting, although km/h or knots might be used in public forecasts.
- Technology: Specifying the speed of data transmission or processing components in some technical contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions About Knot (kn)
What is a knot based on?
A knot is equal to one nautical mile per hour. A nautical mile is based on the Earth's circumference (one minute of latitude).
Is the knot an SI unit?
No, the knot is not an SI unit, but it is accepted for use with the SI, especially in navigation.
Why are knots used instead of mph or km/h in navigation?
Knots are convenient because one knot is one nautical mile per hour, and a nautical mile directly relates to the lines of latitude and longitude on navigational charts (one nautical mile is approximately one minute of latitude).
How do you convert knots to mph?
Multiply the speed in knots by approximately 1.151. So, 20 knots is about 23 mph.
How do you convert knots to km/h?
Multiply the speed in knots by 1.852. So, 20 knots is exactly 37.04 km/h.
About Meter per second (m/s)
What is the SI unit for speed?
Meters per second (m/s) is the base SI derived unit for speed and velocity.
Is m/s used for everyday speeds like driving?
Not typically for driving; kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph) are more common for vehicle speeds. m/s is primarily used in scientific and technical fields.
How does m/s relate to km/h?
1 m/s is equal to 3.6 km/h. To convert m/s to km/h, multiply by 3.6. To convert km/h to m/s, divide by 3.6.
Conversion Table: Knot to Meter per second
| Knot (kn) | Meter per second (m/s) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.514 |
| 5 | 2.572 |
| 10 | 5.144 |
| 25 | 12.861 |
| 50 | 25.722 |
| 100 | 51.444 |
| 500 | 257.222 |
| 1,000 | 514.444 |
All Speed Conversions
Conversion Formula
1 kn = 0.514444 m/s
Where 1 Knot (kn) equals the calculated value in meters per second (m/s).