How to Convert Knots to Metres per second (kn to m/s)
Speed conversions come up with expressway limits in km/h, foreign car specs in mph and wind speeds reported in knots by the Meteorological Service. This guide shows how to convert knots into metres per second by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert knots to metres per second, multiply the value by 0.514444. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 1.9438461718). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 0.51.
Metres per second = knots × 0.514444
Worked examples
- 3 kn = 1.5433 m/s
- 12.5 kn = 6.4306 m/s
- 75 kn = 38.5833 m/s
Knots to Metres per second table
| Knots | Metres per second |
|---|---|
| 1 kn | 0.514444 m/s |
| 2 kn | 1.0289 m/s |
| 5 kn | 2.5722 m/s |
| 10 kn | 5.1444 m/s |
| 20 kn | 10.2889 m/s |
| 25 kn | 12.8611 m/s |
| 50 kn | 25.7222 m/s |
| 100 kn | 51.4444 m/s |
| 250 kn | 128.611 m/s |
| 500 kn | 257.222 m/s |
| 1,000 kn | 514.444 m/s |
Common questions
Is kn to m/s exact?
The factors used here are the internationally defined values where they exist; results are rounded for display only.
How do I convert back?
Use the Metres per second to Knots converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Rounding the factor too early
Using 3 instead of 3.28 for feet per metre introduces an error of almost 9% before you have started.
Multiplying when you should divide
Converting to a smaller unit gives a bigger number, and converting to a larger unit gives a smaller one. If your answer moves the wrong way, you have inverted the factor.
Forgetting squared and cubed units
Area and volume factors are the length factor squared or cubed, so 1 m² is about 10.76 sq ft, not 3.28.
Background
Many conversion factors are exact by definition. The inch has been defined as exactly 2.54 centimetres since 1959, and the pound as exactly 0.45359237 kilograms, so conversions involving them can be as precise as you need.
For everyday use, three or four significant figures are usually enough. Engineering, science and trade documents may need more, and rounding should happen only at the end of a calculation.
A conversion table is handy for common values, but a calculator is faster and avoids interpolation errors for anything in between.
For any value, use the Knots to Metres per second Converter or browse all speed converters.
Run your own numbers: Knots to Metres per second Converter