How to Convert Metres per second to Knots (m/s to kn)
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 metres per second into knots by hand, with examples and a quick-reference table.
The conversion
To convert metres per second to knots, multiply the value by 1.9438461718. To go the other way, divide by the same number (or multiply by 0.514444). For a quick estimate, multiply by about 1.9.
Knots = metres per second × 1.9438461718
Worked examples
- 3 m/s = 5.8315 kn
- 12.5 m/s = 24.2981 kn
- 75 m/s = 145.7885 kn
Metres per second to Knots table
| Metres per second | Knots |
|---|---|
| 1 m/s | 1.9438 kn |
| 2 m/s | 3.8877 kn |
| 5 m/s | 9.7192 kn |
| 10 m/s | 19.4385 kn |
| 20 m/s | 38.8769 kn |
| 25 m/s | 48.5962 kn |
| 50 m/s | 97.1923 kn |
| 100 m/s | 194.3846 kn |
| 250 m/s | 485.9615 kn |
| 500 m/s | 971.9231 kn |
| 1,000 m/s | 1,943.85 kn |
Common questions
Is m/s to kn 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 Knots to Metres per second converter.
Mistakes to avoid
Dropping the units
A bare number without a unit is easy to misread later. Always write the unit with the result.
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
Unit conversion is simply multiplication by a fixed ratio. The ratio between two units of the same quantity never changes, so once you know it you can convert any value in either direction.
Writing the units next to every number while you work is the simplest way to avoid mistakes. If the units do not cancel to leave the one you want, the calculation is set up wrongly.
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 Metres per second to Knots Converter or browse all speed converters.
Run your own numbers: Metres per second to Knots Converter