One knot is about 1.1508 mph, because a nautical mile is longer than a statute mile. Hurricane categories are defined in mph but forecasts often give knots.
How to use the Knots to mph Converter
- Type the number of knots into the Knots field. Decimals such as 5 are fine.
- Read the answer in Miles per hour – it updates as you type, with no button to press.
- To convert the other way, type into Miles per hour and the knots are recalculated.
- Press Copy results to copy both values with the page title, or Copy link to share this exact conversion.
This page converts only kn ⇄ mph. Need a different unit? Use the general speed converter, where you can choose any “from” and “to” unit.
How it works
Both units measure speed, so they are always in the same ratio: one knot equals 1.1507794 miles per hour. The calculator multiplies the number of knots you type by 1.1507794 to give miles per hour, and when you type into the miles per hour field it divides by the same factor to give knots. Because the ratio never changes, doubling the knots always doubles the miles per hour. Results are calculated at full precision and rounded only for display (up to eight decimal places, with very large or small values shown in scientific notation).
How to convert knots to miles per hour
- Write down the value in knots, for example 10 kn.
- Multiply by the conversion factor 1.1507794 (because 1 knot = 1.1507794 mph).
- 10 × 1.1507794 = 11.507794 mph.
- To go back from miles per hour to knots, divide by 1.1507794 – or multiply by 0.86897624.
kn to mph conversion table
| Knots | Miles per hour | Miles per hour | Knots |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 kn | 1.1507794 mph | 1 mph | 0.86897624 kn |
| 5 kn | 5.7538972 mph | 2 mph | 1.7379525 kn |
| 10 kn | 11.507794 mph | 5 mph | 4.3448812 kn |
| 15 kn | 17.261692 mph | 10 mph | 8.6897624 kn |
| 20 kn | 23.015589 mph | 20 mph | 17.379525 kn |
| 25 kn | 28.769486 mph | 50 mph | 43.448812 kn |
| 34 kn | 39.126501 mph | 100 mph | 86.897624 kn |
| 50 kn | 57.538972 mph | 1,000 mph | 868.97624 kn |
| 64 kn | 73.649885 mph | ||
| 100 kn | 115.07794 mph |
What is a knot?
A knot is one nautical mile per hour, exactly 1.852 km/h. Ships, aircraft and marine weather forecasts use knots.
What is a mile per hour?
Miles per hour is used on roads in the U.S. and UK. 60 mph is about 96.6 km/h.
Quick mental conversion
For a fast estimate, multiply knots by about 1.2 to get miles per hour; the error is about 4.3%. Use the calculator above when you need the exact figure.
Common mistakes to avoid
Confusing knots with mph, and mbps internet speeds (bits) with mb/s download speeds (bytes).
Formula
1 kn = 1.1507794 mph1 mph = 0.86897624 knmph = kn × 1.1507794Worked example
Inputs — Knots: 10 kn.
Results — Miles per hour = 11.50779448 mph.
Frequently asked questions
How many mph is 10 knots?
About 11.5 mph.
How many knots is a Category 1 hurricane?
64–82 kn (74–95 mph).
How do I convert knots to miles per hour?
Multiply the number of knots by 1.1507794. For example, 10 kn × 1.1507794 = 11.507794 mph.
How do I convert miles per hour back to knots?
Divide by 1.1507794 (or multiply by 0.86897624), or simply type the value into the miles per hour field above.
What is 100 kn in miles per hour?
100 kn = 115.07794 mph.
What is 5 kn in miles per hour?
5 kn = 5.7538972 mph.
Is this conversion exact?
Yes. The factor comes from the official definitions of both units (NIST and the SI), so the only difference you may see is rounding in the last displayed digit.
Can I convert to other units on this page?
This page converts only between knots and miles per hour. To pick any speed unit, use the general speed converter linked under Related calculators.
What formula does the Knots to mph Converter use?
1 kn = 1.1507794 mph.