MPH to Knots Converter
Convert miles per hour (mph) to nautical knots (kt) with pinpoint precision. An essential tool for translating terrestrial speed limits and weather reports into maritime and aviation standards.
Bridging Land and Sea Records
While land vehicles use miles per hour, nautical and aeronautical craft rely on knots. This conversion is vital for meteorologists reporting wind speeds to sailors, or for integrating terrestrial logistics with port authority schedules. Since a nautical mile is longer than a statute mile, speed in knots will always be lower than its numerical value in mph.
Statute MPH
The standard unit for speed on roads in the US and UK. Based on the 5,280-foot statute mile.
Nautical Knot
One nautical mile per hour (approximately 1.15 mph). Used globally for marine navigation and aviation.
The Conversion Factor
EXACT RELATIONSHIP
knots = mph ÷ 1.15078
To find the speed in knots, divide your miles per hour by 1.15078. For a quick mental check, subtract about 13% from your mph to get an approximate knot speed.
Common Speed Conversions
Standard terrestrial speeds converted to maritime units help illustrate the difference in scale between the two systems.
Terrestrial Scenario MPH (mi/h) Knots (kt) Average Walking Speed 3 mph 2.61 kt City Speed Limit (US) 25 mph 21.72 kt Highway Speed Limit (US) 65 mph 56.48 kt Gale Force Wind (Min) 39 mph 33.89 kt Hurricane Level 1 (Min) 74 mph 64.30 kt Cruising Speed (Small Plane) 160 mph 139.04 kt Detailed MPH to Knots Conversion Reference
MPH (mi/h) Knots (kt) 8 mph 6.95 kt 17 mph 14.77 kt 12 mph 10.43 kt 1 mph 0.87 kt 15 mph 13.03 kt 60 mph 52.14 kt 100 mph 86.9 kt 120 mph 104.28 kt 13 mph 11.3 kt 200 mph 173.8 kt Frequently Asked Questions