MPH to Knots Converter
Real-time bidirectional conversion between miles per hour and nautical knots. Free, instant, and accurate speed conversion tool for aviation, maritime, and meteorological applications.
About MPH and Knots Conversion
Our free MPH to Knots converter provides instant, bidirectional conversion between miles per hour (mph) and knots (kn). Whether you're a sailor, pilot, meteorologist, or student, this tool helps you accurately convert speed measurements in real-time.
Why Convert Between MPH and Knots?
While miles per hour is commonly used in land transportation in the United States, knots are the standard unit of speed measurement in aviation, maritime navigation, and meteorology worldwide. Understanding both units and being able to convert between them is essential for:
- Mariners calculating vessel speed and navigation
- Pilots interpreting airspeed and wind reports
- Meteorologists analyzing wind speeds in weather systems
- Sports enthusiasts tracking sailing or windsurfing speeds
- Students learning about different measurement systems
How the Conversion Works
The conversion between mph and knots is based on the relationship:
1 mph = 0.868976 knots
Our tool performs this calculation instantly as you type, providing results accurate to 4 decimal places. The bidirectional functionality allows you to start with either unit and get the converted value immediately.
Key Features
Real-time Conversion
Values update instantly as you type
Bidirectional
Convert from mph to knots or vice versa
Secure & Private
No data leaves your browser - all processing happens locally
No Limits
Convert as many values as you need - completely free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between mph and knots?
Miles per hour (mph) measures the number of statute miles traveled in one hour. A knot is one nautical mile per hour, where a nautical mile is based on the Earth's longitude and latitude coordinates and equals approximately 1.15078 statute miles.
Why are knots used instead of mph in aviation and maritime?
Knots are used in aviation and maritime because nautical miles are directly related to the Earth's latitude and longitude system. This makes navigation calculations simpler and more accurate over long distances, especially when using charts and maps.
How accurate is this converter?
Our converter uses the precise conversion factor of 1 knot = 1.15078 mph. Results are accurate to 4 decimal places, which is sufficient for most practical applications including navigation, aviation, and meteorology.
Can I use this tool on my mobile device?
Absolutely! Our converter is fully responsive and works on all devices - smartphones, tablets, and desktops. The touch-friendly interface makes it easy to use on any device.
Is there a limit to how many conversions I can do?
No, there are no limits. You can perform as many conversions as you need, completely free of charge. All processing happens in your browser, so there are no server-side restrictions.