Convert Knots to Metres per Second

Convert Knots (kn) to Metres per Second (m/s) instantly and accurately.

Conversion Formula

m/s = kn × 0.5144444444

About Knots

A knot (kn) = 1 nautical mile per hour = 1,852/3,600 m/s ≈ 0.51444 m/s - the universal speed unit for aviation and maritime navigation (ICAO and IMO standard). GA aircraft cruise 100-140 kn; commercial airliners 450-480 kn; Concorde 1,176 kn (Mach 2). Container ships 18-22 kn; QM2 exceeds 30 kn. Beaufort Force 12 hurricane begins at 64 kn. Gulf Stream surface current 2-4 kn. 1 kn = 1.852 km/h = 1.15078 mph.

About Metres per Second

The metre per second (m/s) is the SI unit of speed. Brisk walking ~1.4 m/s; Usain Bolt's peak sprint ~12.4 m/s; speed of sound in air at 20°C 343.2 m/s; in water 1,481 m/s. Rifle muzzle velocities 370-1,200 m/s. Speed of light = exactly 299,792,458 m/s (the defined constant from which the metre is derived since 1983). 1 m/s = 3.6 km/h = 2.23694 mph = 1.94384 kn.

Quick Reference Table

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