Miles Per Hour to Knots Conversion
How to Convert Miles Per Hour to Knots
The conversion between miles per hour (mph) and knots is straightforward. One mile per hour is equivalent to approximately 0.868976 knots. This value is key to performing the conversion.
The Formula
To determine a speed in knots from miles per hour, you use the following formula:
Conversion Steps
Follow these simple steps:
- Take the speed value in miles per hour.
- Multiply this value by 0.868976.
- The result is the equivalent speed in knots.
For example, to convert 20 mph to knots:
20 mph × 0.868976 = 17.38 kn
Visualising the Speeds
Enter values in the converter above to see a simple visual representation of the difference between the two speeds.
Common Conversions Table
For quick reference, here is a table of frequently sought conversions from miles per hour to knots.
| Miles Per Hour (mph) | Knots (kn) |
|---|---|
| 1 mph | 0.87 kn |
| 5 mph | 4.34 kn |
| 10 mph | 8.69 kn |
| 20 mph | 17.38 kn |
| 30 mph | 26.07 kn |
| 50 mph | 43.45 kn |
| 70 mph | 60.83 kn |
| 100 mph | 86.90 kn |
MPH vs Knots: Context and Usage
While both miles per hour and knots measure speed, their application differs based on the field of activity. This distinction is largely due to historical and practical reasons.
- Miles Per Hour (mph): This is the standard unit for speed on roads in the United Kingdom, the United States, and several other countries. It measures the number of statute miles travelled in one hour. If you’re driving a car in the UK, your speedometer will display mph.
- Knots (kn): A knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. The nautical mile is based on the Earth’s circumference and is essential for navigation in maritime and aviation settings. Therefore, knots are the preferred unit for speed in shipping, sailing, and aviation worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a knot is slower than a mile per hour. One knot is equivalent to approximately 1.15078 mph, while one mph is about 0.87 knots.
Knots are used because they are directly related to the nautical mile. A nautical mile corresponds to one minute of latitude, which simplifies navigation over long distances across the globe. This integration makes distance and speed figures on nautical charts easy to work with.
‘MPH’ or ‘mph’ is the abbreviation for miles per hour, a measure of speed based on statute miles.