Why Convert Knots to Miles per Hour?
Converting between knots (kn) and miles per hour (mph) is one of the most common speed conversions. Whether for engineering, cooking, travel, or science, knowing how to quickly convert kn to mph saves time and prevents errors.
Speed conversions between kn and mph 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 Miles per Hour
To convert knots to miles per hour, use the following formula:
mph = kn × 1.150779448
Example: 1 kn = 1.150779448 mph
For example, 5 kn = 5.75389724 mph, 10 kn = 11.50779448 mph, and 100 kn = 115.0779448 mph. Our calculator above performs this conversion instantly with full precision — no rounding errors.
Common Use Cases
- Typical sailboat cruising speed: 20 kn = 23.01558896 mph
- Category 1 hurricane threshold (≥64 knots): 64 kn = 73.64988467 mph
- Cargo ship average speed: 12 kn = 13.80935338 mph
- Commercial jet cruising speed (≈480 knots typical, 140 for small aircraft): 140 kn = 161.1091227 mph
- Tropical storm wind threshold (≥34 knots): 34 kn = 39.12650123 mph
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 = 1.150779448 mph. For quick mental math, remember this base conversion.
- Quick reference: 5 kn = 5.75389724 mph · 10 kn = 11.50779448 mph · 25 kn = 28.7694862 mph · 50 kn = 57.5389724 mph · 100 kn = 115.0779448 mph
- Bookmark this page: Save this converter for instant access. It works offline once loaded — no internet needed.
Knots to Miles per Hour Conversion Table
| kn | mph |
|---|---|
| 0.01 kn | 0.01150779448 mph |
| 0.1 kn | 0.1150779448 mph |
| 0.5 kn | 0.575389724 mph |
| 1 kn | 1.150779448 mph |
| 2 kn | 2.301558896 mph |
| 5 kn | 5.75389724 mph |
| 10 kn | 11.50779448 mph |
| 20 kn | 23.01558896 mph |
| 50 kn | 57.5389724 mph |
| 100 kn | 115.0779448 mph |
| 500 kn | 575.389724 mph |
| 1000 kn | 1150.779448 mph |
All values in this table are mathematically exact per NIST SP 811.