Convert Speed of Light to Metres per Second
Convert Speed of Light (c) to Metres per Second (m/s) instantly and accurately.
Conversion Formula
m/s = c × 299792458
About Speed of Light
The speed of light in vacuum (c) = exactly 299,792,458 m/s - the defined SI constant from which the metre is derived (since 1983) and the universal speed limit of causality. Light from the Sun reaches Earth in 8 min 20 s; from the Moon in 1.28 s; from Proxima Centauri in 4.24 years. Mars communication delay 3-22 minutes. In optical fibre (n ≈ 1.467), c/n ≈ 200,000 km/s. GPS clocks must correct for both special and general relativistic effects. c = 299,792,458 m/s.
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
| Speed of Light (c) | Metres per Second (m/s) |
|---|---|
| 1 c | 299792000 m/s |
| 2 c | 599585000 m/s |
| 5 c | 1.499 × 109 m/s |
| 10 c | 2.998 × 109 m/s |
| 25 c | 7.495 × 109 m/s |
| 50 c | 1.499 × 1010 m/s |
| 100 c | 2.998 × 1010 m/s |