Mach number to Meter per second Conversion Calculator: Free Online Tool
Convert Mach numbers to meters per second with our free online speed converter.
Mach number to Meter per second Calculator
How to Use the Calculator:
- Enter the value you want to convert in the 'From' field (Mach number).
- 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 Mach number to Meter per second
Converting Mach number to Meter per second involves multiplying the value by a specific conversion factor, as shown in the formula below.
Formula:
1 Mach number = 343 meters per secondExample Calculation:
Convert 60 Mach numbers: 60 × 343 = 2.0580e+4 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 Mach number and a Meter per second?
The Mach number (M or Ma) is a dimensionless quantity in fluid dynamics representing the ratio of flow velocity past a boundary to the local speed of sound. It is named after Austrian physicist and philosopher Ernst Mach.
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 Mach number 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 Mach number and Meter per second
The term "Mach number" was proposed by Swiss aeronautical engineer Jakob Ackeret in 1929. It gained prominence during World War II with the development of high-speed aircraft. The sound barrier (Mach 1) was famously broken by Chuck Yeager in 1947.
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 Mach numbers and meters per second
Explore the typical applications for both Mach number (imperial/US) and Meter per second (metric) to understand their common contexts.
Common Uses for Mach numbers
- Aerospace: Describing the speed of aircraft and spacecraft relative to the speed of sound (subsonic, transonic, supersonic, hypersonic).
- Fluid Dynamics: Analyzing high-speed flows in wind tunnels, jet engines, and rocket nozzles.
- Ballistics: Characterizing the speed of projectiles.
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 Mach number (Mach)
What does Mach 1 mean?
Mach 1 represents the speed of sound in the surrounding medium under specific conditions (temperature, pressure, altitude). At standard sea level conditions (15°C and 1 atm), Mach 1 is approximately 343 meters per second (1,235 km/h; 767 mph).
Is the speed of Mach 1 constant?
No, the speed of sound varies primarily with temperature. It decreases at higher altitudes where the air is colder. Therefore, the actual speed corresponding to Mach 1 changes with altitude and atmospheric conditions.
What are the different speed regimes related to Mach number?
- Subsonic: M < 0.8
- Transonic: 0.8 ≤ M < 1.2
- Supersonic: 1.2 ≤ M < 5
- Hypersonic: M ≥ 5
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: Mach number to Meter per second
| Mach number (Mach) | Meter per second (m/s) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 343 |
| 5 | 1,715 |
| 10 | 3,430 |
| 25 | 8,575 |
| 50 | 17,150 |
| 100 | 34,300 |
| 500 | 171,500 |
| 1,000 | 343,000 |
All Speed Conversions
Conversion Formula
1 Mach = 343 m/s
Where 1 Mach number (Mach) equals the calculated value in meters per second (m/s).