Unit-To-Unit Speed conversion

Knots to KM/H

1 knot = 1.852 kilometres per hour

A knot is exactly 1.852 km/h. Marine forecasts use knots worldwide regardless of the local road-speed unit.

Formula km/h = kn × 1.852

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Type in either field — the other updates on every keystroke. Need other units? Open the full speed converter.

Knots to KM/H — quick reference
KnotKilometre per hour
1 kn1.852 km/h
2 kn3.704 km/h
3 kn5.556 km/h
4 kn7.408 km/h
5 kn9.26 km/h
10 kn18.52 km/h
15 kn27.78 km/h
20 kn37.04 km/h
25 kn46.3 km/h
50 kn92.6 km/h
100 kn185.2 km/h
500 kn926 km/h
1000 kn1852 km/h
KM/H to Knots — reverse
Kilometre per hourKnot
1 km/h0.539957 kn
2 km/h1.079914 kn
3 km/h1.61987 kn
4 km/h2.159827 kn
5 km/h2.699784 kn
10 km/h5.399568 kn
15 km/h8.099352 kn
20 km/h10.799136 kn
25 km/h13.49892 kn
50 km/h26.99784 kn
100 km/h53.99568 kn
500 km/h269.978402 kn
1000 km/h539.956803 kn

Worked examples

Common values
SituationFromTo
Light breeze5 knots9.26 km/h
Fresh breeze10 knots18.52 km/h
Strong wind20 knots37.04 km/h
Gale begins34 knots62.97 km/h
Ferry30 knots55.56 km/h
Airliner450 knots833.4 km/h

Mental-math shortcut

Multiply by 1.85, or double and take off 8%. 20 knots is about 37 km/h.

Where this conversion comes up

Sea forecasts, ships and aircraft use knots. A force 8 gale starts at 34 knots, which is 63 km/h.

Common mistakes

Never say "knots per hour", because a knot already means one nautical mile per hour. A nautical mile is 1.852 km, not 1.609.

Background

Sailors once timed a knotted line paying out behind the ship with a sand glass. Today a knot is exactly 1.852 km/h.

Frequently asked

How many kilometres per hour are in a knot?
1 knot = 1.852 kilometres per hour. In the other direction, 1 kilometre per hour = 0.539956803 knots.
What is a knot?
A knot is one nautical mile per hour — 1.852 km/h exactly. It is the standard speed unit in aviation, shipping and marine forecasting.
What is a kilometre per hour?
Kilometres per hour is the speed unit on road signs and speedometers in most of the world.
How many km/h is one knot?
One knot is exactly 1.852 km/h.