Why Convert Knots to Kilometers per Hour?
Converting between knots (kn) and kilometers per hour (km/h) is one of the most common speed conversions. Whether for engineering, cooking, travel, or science, knowing how to quickly convert kn to km/h saves time and prevents errors.
Speed conversions between kn and km/h are essential for driving, aviation, and weather monitoring. When renting a car abroad, speed limits are posted in km/h in most countries but mph in the US and UK. Aviation and maritime industries use knots internationally. Weather reports express wind speeds differently by region — understanding these conversions can be critical during severe weather events like hurricanes and typhoons.
How to Convert Knots to Kilometers per Hour
To convert knots to kilometers per hour, use the following formula:
km/h = kn × 1.852
Example: 1 kn = 1.852 km/h
For example, 5 kn = 9.26 km/h, 10 kn = 18.52 km/h, and 100 kn = 185.2 km/h. Our calculator above performs this conversion instantly with full precision — no rounding errors.
Common Use Cases
- Typical sailboat cruising speed: 20 kn = 37.04 km/h
- Commercial aircraft approach speed (Boeing 737): 250 kn = 463 km/h
- Typhoon threshold (≥64 knots ≈ Category 1 hurricane): 64 kn = 118.528 km/h
- Cargo ship average speed: 12 kn = 22.224 km/h
- Tropical storm threshold (≥34 knots): 34 kn = 62.968 km/h
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Knots vs km/h vs mph: These three speed units are all commonly used but in different contexts — knots for maritime/aviation, km/h in most countries, mph in US/UK.
- Wind speed scales: Weather reports may use different units by country. A "70 mph" hurricane warning is ~113 km/h or ~61 knots.
- Speed of sound varies: Mach 1 is approximately 343 m/s at sea level but changes with altitude and temperature.
Pro Tips
- Memorize the factor: 1 kn = 1.852 km/h. For quick mental math, remember this base conversion.
- Quick reference: 5 kn = 9.26 km/h · 10 kn = 18.52 km/h · 25 kn = 46.3 km/h · 50 kn = 92.6 km/h · 100 kn = 185.2 km/h
- Bookmark this page: Save this converter for instant access. It works offline once loaded — no internet needed.
Knots to Kilometers per Hour Conversion Table
| kn | km/h |
|---|---|
| 0.01 kn | 0.01852 km/h |
| 0.1 kn | 0.1852 km/h |
| 0.5 kn | 0.926 km/h |
| 1 kn | 1.852 km/h |
| 2 kn | 3.704 km/h |
| 5 kn | 9.26 km/h |
| 10 kn | 18.52 km/h |
| 20 kn | 37.04 km/h |
| 50 kn | 92.6 km/h |
| 100 kn | 185.2 km/h |
| 500 kn | 926 km/h |
| 1000 kn | 1852 km/h |
All values in this table are mathematically exact per NIST SP 811.