Back to Conversions

Speed Converter

Convert between different units of speed, such as kph, mph, and knots.

Speed Converter

Convert between different units of speed, such as kph, mph, and knots.

Understanding the Converter

Speed is the rate at which an object covers distance. This tool facilitates quick and accurate conversions between various units of speed, including metric, imperial, and specialized maritime/aviation units.

The converter standardizes all inputs to a base unit of meters per second (m/s), the SI derived unit for speed, before converting to the target unit. This ensures high precision for all calculations.

Formula Used

Standardized Conversion Process

To maintain accuracy, all conversions use meters per second (m/s) as a common base unit.

  1. Convert to m/s: The input value is first converted to meters per second by multiplying it by its specific conversion factor.
    Value in m/s = Input Value × Conversion Factor to m/s
  2. Convert to Target Unit: The m/s value is then converted to the final unit by dividing it by the target unit's conversion factor.
    Final Value = Value in m/s / Target Unit's Conversion Factor

Related Converters

A Guide to Units of Speed

Speed measures how quickly an object is moving. Different units are preferred in different contexts, from road travel to aviation and science.

Metric vs. Imperial and Others

UnitAbbreviationPrimary Use Case
Meters per secondm/sThe standard SI unit for speed, used universally in scientific contexts.
Kilometers per hourkph or km/hStandard for road speeds in most countries worldwide.
Miles per hourmphStandard for road speeds in the United States, the United Kingdom, and a few other countries.
Feet per secondfps or ft/sUsed in some engineering and physics applications, especially in the US.
Knotkn or ktDefined as one nautical mile per hour. It is the standard unit of speed in aviation, maritime, and meteorological contexts.

Common Conversions at a Glance

FromToEquivalent Value
1 Meter per second (m/s)Kilometers per hour (kph)3.6 kph
60 Miles per hour (mph)Kilometers per hour (kph)~96.56 kph
100 Kilometers per hour (kph)Miles per hour (mph)~62.14 mph
1 Knot (kn)Miles per hour (mph)~1.151 mph
1 Knot (kn)Kilometers per hour (kph)1.852 kph
1 Mile per hour (mph)Feet per second (fps)~1.467 fps
Speed of Sound (in air)Meters per second~343 m/s
Speed of Light (in vacuum)Kilometers per second~299,792 km/s

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a "knot"?

A knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. A nautical mile is based on the Earth's circumference, making it ideal for navigation, as it directly relates to latitude and longitude. One knot is about 1.151 mph.

Is there a difference between kph and km/h?

No, they are different abbreviations for the same unit: kilometers per hour. While "km/h" is the official SI abbreviation, "kph" is commonly used informally in many countries.

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

In everyday language, they are used interchangeably. In physics, they are different. Speed is a scalar quantity (how fast you are going), while velocity is a vector quantity (how fast you are going and in what direction).

What is Mach number?

Mach number is the ratio of an object's speed to the speed of sound in the surrounding medium. Mach 1 is the speed of sound, Mach 2 is twice the speed of sound, and so on. It's not a unit of speed itself, as the speed of sound changes with temperature and altitude.

Summary

The Speed Converter is an indispensable tool for anyone who needs to work with different units of velocity. It is perfect for travelers, pilots, sailors, engineers, and students, providing fast and accurate translations between metric, imperial, and nautical speed units.

Embed This Calculator

Add this calculator to your website or blog using the embed code below:

<div style="max-width: 600px; margin: 0 auto;"> <iframe src="https://mycalculating.com/category/conversions/speed-converter?embed=true" width="100%" height="600" style="border:1px solid #ccc; border-radius:8px;" loading="lazy" title="Speed Converter Calculator by MyCalculating.com" ></iframe> <p style="text-align:center; font-size:12px; margin-top:4px;"> <a href="https://mycalculating.com/category/conversions/speed-converter" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Use full version on <strong>MyCalculating.com</strong> </a> </p> </div>
Open in New Tab

Speed Converter

Convert between different units of speed, such as kph, mph, and knots.

How to use Speed Converter

Step-by-step guide to using the Speed Converter:

  1. Enter your values. Input the required values in the calculator form
  2. Calculate. The calculator will automatically compute and display your results
  3. Review results. Review the calculated results and any additional information provided

Frequently asked questions

How do I use the Speed Converter?

Simply enter your values in the input fields and the calculator will automatically compute the results. The Speed Converter is designed to be user-friendly and provide instant calculations.

Is the Speed Converter free to use?

Yes, the Speed Converter is completely free to use. No registration or payment is required.

Can I use this calculator on mobile devices?

Yes, the Speed Converter is fully responsive and works perfectly on mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Are the results from Speed Converter accurate?

Yes, our calculators use standard formulas and are regularly tested for accuracy. However, results should be used for informational purposes and not as a substitute for professional advice.