How to Calculate Knots to MPH

Those unfamiliar with the sea may not be able to grasp the concept of a knot, and may wish to convert this international unit of speed to something they are more familiar with. A knot, or nautical mile, is not a distance but rather a unit of speed, so converting this unit of measurement to miles per hour is a straightforward process.

Things You'll Need

  • Paper and pencil
  • Calculator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Write the number of knots that you want to convert on a piece of paper or enter it into a calculator. For example, if you want to convert 20 knots to miles per hour, write "20" on your paper and enter the number into your calculator.

    • 2

      Multiply by 1.15. In the example, 20 x 1.15 = 23. You have determined that 20 knots equal 23 mph.

    • 3

      Check your work at a conversion site. For example, visit the Convert kts to mph Calculator (see Resources). Enter "20" in the left box and click on the "Convert to Miles per Hour" button. The answer is 23.016, which is your answer, before rounding.