Speed Unit Converter
Convert between different speed units including m/s, km/h, mph, knots, and more. Essential for automotive, aviation, marine navigation, and physics calculations with precise conversion factors.
Key Relationships: 1 m/s = 3.6 km/h = 2.237 mph = 1.944 knots | 1 mph = 1.609 km/h | 1 knot = 1.852 km/h
Quick Reference – Common Speed Conversions
Values showing what 1 unit equals in other units:
| Unit | m/s | km/h | mph | knots |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 m/s | 1 | 3.6 | 2.237 | 1.944 |
| 1 km/h | 0.278 | 1 | 0.621 | 0.540 |
| 1 mph | 0.447 | 1.609 | 1 | 0.869 |
| 1 knot | 0.514 | 1.852 | 1.151 | 1 |
About This Speed Unit Converter
Our Speed Unit Converter provides precise conversions between all major speed units used worldwide. Whether you’re working with automotive speeds, aviation calculations, marine navigation, or scientific research, this tool ensures accurate results with standardized conversion factors.
The converter supports everything from everyday units like mph and km/h to specialized measurements like Mach numbers and fractions of the speed of light, making it suitable for both practical applications and advanced scientific calculations.
Key Features
Comprehensive Units
Convert between 9 different speed units including metric, imperial, nautical, and scientific measurements.
Precise Calculations
Uses exact conversion factors with proper decimal precision for professional and scientific accuracy.
Quick Reference
Built-in conversion table for instant reference of common speed unit relationships.
Real-time Results
See conversions instantly as you type with automatic calculation and formatting.
Why Choose Our Speed Converter?
- Universal Coverage: Supports automotive, aviation, marine, and scientific speed units
- Professional Accuracy: Uses standardized conversion factors from international standards
- User-Friendly: Clean interface with intuitive controls and instant results
- Educational: Includes reference table and conversion explanations
- Mobile-Optimized: Works perfectly on all devices and screen sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many different speed units?
Different industries and regions use different speed units for historical and practical reasons. Cars use mph/km/h, aircraft use knots and Mach, while science uses m/s as the SI standard unit.
What’s the difference between mph and knots?
MPH (miles per hour) uses statute miles (5,280 feet), while knots use nautical miles (6,076 feet). 1 knot = 1.151 mph. Knots are used in aviation and marine navigation because they relate to Earth’s geometry.
How is Mach number calculated?
Mach number is the ratio of an object’s speed to the speed of sound. At sea level (15°C), the speed of sound is approximately 343 m/s or 1,125 ft/s. Mach 1 = speed of sound.
When would I need to convert to scientific units?
Scientific calculations often require m/s (SI base unit) or fractions of light speed (c) for high-energy physics. These provide precise, standardized measurements for research and engineering.
Are the conversion factors exact?
Yes, we use internationally standardized conversion factors: 1 mile = 1.609344 km (exact), 1 nautical mile = 1852 m (exact), ensuring professional-grade accuracy for all calculations.