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Speed • NIST Exact

Meters per Second → Kilometers per Hour

m/s → km/h

1 m/s = 3.6 km/h• NIST Exact

m/s → km/h Reference Table

m/s km/h
0.01 m/s 0.036 km/h
0.1 m/s 0.36 km/h
0.5 m/s 1.8 km/h
1 m/s 3.6 km/h
2 m/s 7.2 km/h
5 m/s 18 km/h
10 m/s 36 km/h
20 m/s 72 km/h
50 m/s 180 km/h
100 m/s 360 km/h
500 m/s 1800 km/h
1000 m/s 3600 km/h

Values based on NIST SP 811 conversion factors

🌍 Real-World Examples

Gentle breeze (Beaufort scale 3)

5 m/s = 18 km/h

Typhoon threshold wind speed (≥32.7 m/s)

33 m/s = 118.8 km/h

Usain Bolt top sprint speed

10 m/s = 36 km/h

Tropical storm threshold (≥17.2 m/s)

17 m/s = 61.2 km/h

Why Convert Meters per Second to Kilometers per Hour?

Converting between meters per second (m/s) 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 m/s to km/h saves time and prevents errors.

Speed conversions between m/s 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 Meters per Second to Kilometers per Hour

To convert meters per second to kilometers per hour, use the following formula:

km/h = m/s × 3.6

Example: 1 m/s = 3.6 km/h

For example, 5 m/s = 18 km/h, 10 m/s = 36 km/h, and 100 m/s = 360 km/h. Our calculator above performs this conversion instantly with full precision — no rounding errors.

Common Use Cases

  • Gentle breeze (Beaufort scale 3): 5 m/s = 18 km/h
  • Typhoon threshold wind speed (≥32.7 m/s): 33 m/s = 118.8 km/h
  • Usain Bolt top sprint speed: 10 m/s = 36 km/h
  • Tropical storm threshold (≥17.2 m/s): 17 m/s = 61.2 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 m/s = 3.6 km/h. For quick mental math, remember this base conversion.
  • Quick reference: 5 m/s = 18 km/h · 10 m/s = 36 km/h · 25 m/s = 90 km/h · 50 m/s = 180 km/h · 100 m/s = 360 km/h
  • Bookmark this page: Save this converter for instant access. It works offline once loaded — no internet needed.

Meters per Second to Kilometers per Hour Conversion Table

m/skm/h
0.01 m/s0.036 km/h
0.1 m/s0.36 km/h
0.5 m/s1.8 km/h
1 m/s3.6 km/h
2 m/s7.2 km/h
5 m/s18 km/h
10 m/s36 km/h
20 m/s72 km/h
50 m/s180 km/h
100 m/s360 km/h
500 m/s1800 km/h
1000 m/s3600 km/h

All values in this table are mathematically exact per NIST SP 811.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kilometers per hour are in 1 meter per second?

1 m/s equals 3.6 km/h. This is an exact conversion factor defined by NIST.

How do I convert meters per second to kilometers per hour?

Multiply the value in m/s by the conversion factor. For example, 10 m/s = 36 km/h. Use our calculator above for instant results.

Is the meters per second to kilometers per hour conversion exact?

Yes, this conversion is mathematically exact based on the international definition of these units (NIST SP 811).

Speed More Conversions

km/h → mph mph → km/h km/h → m/s kn → km/h kn → mph