Knots to MPH Conversion Chart
Quick-reference chart converting knots (kn) to miles per hour (mph). Covers 1–600 knots — for aviation, maritime navigation, and weather reporting.
For a custom value not in this chart, use the interactive Knot to Mile per Hour converter.
| Knot (kn) | Mile per Hour (mph) |
|---|---|
| 1 kn | 1.15078 mph |
| 5 kn | 5.7539 mph |
| 10 kn | 11.5078 mph |
| 15 kn | 17.2617 mph |
| 20 kn | 23.0156 mph |
| 25 kn | 28.7695 mph |
| 30 kn | 34.5234 mph |
| 35 kn | 40.2773 mph |
| 40 kn | 46.0312 mph |
| 50 kn | 57.539 mph |
| 60 kn | 69.0468 mph |
| 70 kn | 80.5546 mph |
| 80 kn | 92.0624 mph |
| 100 kn | 115.078 mph |
| 120 kn | 138.094 mph |
| 130 kn | 149.601 mph |
| 150 kn | 172.617 mph |
| 160 kn | 184.125 mph |
| 180 kn | 207.14 mph |
| 200 kn | 230.156 mph |
| 250 kn | 287.695 mph |
| 300 kn | 345.234 mph |
| 400 kn | 460.312 mph |
| 500 kn | 575.39 mph |
| 600 kn | 690.468 mph |
Conversion Formula
mph = kn × 1.15078 kn = mph × 0.868976 1 knot = 1 nautical mile per hour = 1.15078 mph = 1.852 km/h 1 mph = 0.868976 knots Aviation reference (kn → mph): 150 kn = 172.6 mph (small plane approach speed) 250 kn = 287.7 mph (typical prop airliner cruise) 450 kn = 517.9 mph (regional jet cruise) 500 kn = 575.4 mph (typical narrow-body cruise) Maritime reference: 12 kn = 13.8 mph (container ship avg speed) 30 kn = 34.5 mph (modern destroyer) 45 kn = 51.8 mph (military hydrofoil) Wind speed (kn → mph Beaufort scale anchor): 12 kn = Force 4 (Moderate breeze) = 13.8 mph
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mph is 1 knot?
1 knot equals approximately 1.151 miles per hour. Since 1 nautical mile = 1.15078 statute miles, and both measure distance per hour, the conversion factor is the same 1.15078.
How fast is 500 knots in mph?
500 kn × 1.15078 = 575.4 mph. Commercial jetliners typically cruise at 480–520 knots (552–598 mph) true airspeed. The 500-knot figure is a useful aviation reference for typical cruise.
Why do pilots use knots instead of mph?
Nautical miles and knots are directly related to Earth's geometry: 1 nautical mile equals 1 arc-minute of latitude, making navigation charts consistent worldwide. Pilots use knots so that their speed and their navigation charts use the same distance unit, simplifying position calculations and time-to-waypoint arithmetic.
What is the wind speed in knots vs. mph?
Weather stations often report wind speed in knots for maritime and aviation purposes. Common references: 10 knots (11.5 mph) = gentle breeze; 30 knots (34.5 mph) = strong breeze / gale warning; 64 knots (73.7 mph) = hurricane force threshold (Beaufort 12). Aviation METARs always report in knots.
What is the speed of sound in knots?
The speed of sound at sea level (at 15°C / 59°F) is approximately 340 m/s = 661 knots = 761 mph. Mach 1 = 661 knots at standard sea level. Fighter aircraft and supersonic business jets can exceed Mach 2 (1,322 knots = 1,522 mph).
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Need a custom value?
This chart covers common values. For any number, use the interactive converter.
Use the interactive converter →All conversion values are calculated using internationally recognized conversion factors. Results are provided for general informational purposes — verify critical values independently. Read our full disclaimer.