How to Convert Knots to MPH

A knot is used to measure the speed of boats and aircraft.

Knots measure the speed of boats and aircraft the same way miles per hour measure the speed of cars. Knots measure nautical miles per hour. One knot is one nautical mile per hour or 6,076 feet per hour. One mph equals one mile per hour or 5,280 feet per hour. A knot per hour is slightly faster than a mile per hour. Converting knots to miles per hour is done by using a mathematical formula.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator

Instructions

1. Look at your gauges in your boat or aircraft to determine your speed in knots.

2. Multiply knots by 1.151 to convert to miles per hour. For example, 20 knots multiplied by 1.151 equals 23 miles per hour.

3. Multiply miles per hour by 0.8690 to convert miles per hour to knots. For example, 30 miles per hour multiplied by 0.8690 equals 26 knots.

Tips & Warnings

• Here are some conversions from knots to miles per hour: 10 Knots = 11.5 MPH; 20 knots = 23.0 MPH; 30 Knots = 34.6 MPH; 40 Knots = 46.1 MPH; 50 Knots = 57.6 MPH; 60 Knots = 69.1 MPH;

• 70 Knots = 80.6 MPH; 80 Knots = 92.2 MPH; 90 Knots = 103.7 MPH; 100 Knots = 115.2 MPH.

References

• NASA: Knots versus Miles per Hour
• Calculate Me: Knots to Miles per Hour
• Calculate Me: Miles per Hour to Knots
• Disaster Center: Conversion Chart