MPH to Knots Conversion Chart
Quick-reference chart converting miles per hour (mph) to knots (kn). Covers 1–700 mph — for aviation, sailing, maritime operations, and weather reports.
For a custom value not in this chart, use the interactive Mile per Hour to Knot converter.
| Mile per Hour (mph) | Knot (kn) |
|---|---|
| 1 mph | 0.868976 kn |
| 5 mph | 4.34488 kn |
| 10 mph | 8.68976 kn |
| 15 mph | 13.0346 kn |
| 20 mph | 17.3795 kn |
| 25 mph | 21.7244 kn |
| 30 mph | 26.0693 kn |
| 40 mph | 34.759 kn |
| 50 mph | 43.4488 kn |
| 60 mph | 52.1386 kn |
| 70 mph | 60.8283 kn |
| 80 mph | 69.5181 kn |
| 100 mph | 86.8976 kn |
| 120 mph | 104.277 kn |
| 150 mph | 130.346 kn |
| 180 mph | 156.416 kn |
| 200 mph | 173.795 kn |
| 250 mph | 217.244 kn |
| 300 mph | 260.693 kn |
| 400 mph | 347.59 kn |
| 500 mph | 434.488 kn |
| 600 mph | 521.386 kn |
| 700 mph | 608.283 kn |
Conversion Formula
kn = mph × 0.868976 mph = kn × 1.15078 1 mph = 0.868976 kn 1 knot = 1.15078 mph Reference speeds (mph → kn): 30 mph = 26.1 kn (harbor speed limit) 60 mph = 52.1 kn (highway reference) 100 mph = 86.9 kn 150 mph = 130.3 kn (light aircraft cruise) 300 mph = 260.7 kn (turboprop cruise) 600 mph = 521.4 kn (jet airliner cruise) Wind speed reference: 15 mph = 13.0 kn (small craft advisory threshold) 30 mph = 26.1 kn (gale watch) 74 mph = 64.3 kn (hurricane minimum)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many knots is 60 mph?
60 mph × 0.868976 = 52.1 knots. While not a standard aviation or maritime reference, this conversion helps visualize familiar road speeds in nautical terms.
How many knots is 100 mph?
100 mph × 0.868976 = 86.9 knots. Racing sailboats rarely exceed 50 knots; however, some experimental sailing craft and windsurfers have set records above 50 knots (57.5 mph).
What wind speed in mph triggers storm warnings?
US National Weather Service small craft advisories typically begin at winds of 15–25 knots (17–29 mph). Gale warnings: 34–47 knots (39–54 mph). Storm warnings: 48–63 knots (55–73 mph). Hurricane: 64+ knots (74+ mph). NOAA marine forecasts broadcast speeds in knots.
What is a Category 5 hurricane in knots and mph?
A Category 5 hurricane has sustained winds of 137 mph (119 knots) or higher by the Saffir-Simpson scale. The record sustained wind speed was approximately 180+ mph (156+ knots) for Super Typhoon Haiyan (2013).
How fast do cargo ships travel in knots and mph?
Modern container ships typically cruise at 18–24 knots (20.7–27.6 mph) and can achieve up to 26 knots (29.9 mph). Oil tankers are slower: 14–18 knots (16.1–20.7 mph). Slower speeds ('slow steaming') are used to reduce fuel consumption, at around 12–14 knots (13.8–16.1 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.