Speed Converter

Convert speed units like MPH, KPH, Knots, and Mach.

MPH0
KPH0
Knots0
Mach0
m/s0

Speed Converter: MPH, KPH, Knots & More

Instantly convert between different units of speed with our comprehensive Speed Converter. Whether you're a driver comparing speed limits, a pilot calculating flight velocity, or a student working on physics problems, this tool makes unit conversion effortless. Support is included for Miles per Hour (mph), Kilometers per Hour (kph), Knots, Mach, and Meters per Second (m/s).

Multi-Unit Support

Convert simultaneously between 5 major speed units used in automotive, aviation, and science.

Precision Accuracy

Get accurate results with up to 4 decimal places for scientific and technical requirements.

Instant Results

No need to press a button; values update automatically as you type or change units.

Understanding Speed Units

Unit Abbreviation Primary Usage
Miles per Hour mph Road traffic in US, UK
Kilometers per Hour kph / km/h Road traffic worldwide (except US, UK)
Knots kn Maritime and Aviation
Meters per Second m/s Scientific (SI Unit), Physics
Mach M High-speed flight (relative to speed of sound)

Common Conversion Factors

  • 1 mph ≈ 1.609 kph
  • 1 kph ≈ 0.621 mph
  • 1 knot ≈ 1.151 mph ≈ 1.852 kph
  • 1 m/s = 3.6 kph ≈ 2.237 mph
  • Mach 1 (at sea level) ≈ 767 mph ≈ 1235 kph

Real-World Applications

Travel & Driving

Converting speed limits when driving in a different country (e.g., US driver in Europe).

Sports

Comparing athlete speeds, pitch speeds, or race times across different metric systems.

Aviation & Sailing

Translating knots to land-based units for easier visualization.

Education

Helping students verify homework answers for unit conversion problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the speed of sound (Mach 1)?

The speed of sound varies by temperature and medium. In dry air at 20°C (68°F), it is approximately 343 meters per second, 1235 kph, or 767 mph.

Why do ships and planes use Knots?

Knots are based on the nautical mile, which corresponds to one minute of latitude on the Earth's surface. This makes it convenient for navigation charts.

How do I convert kph to mph mentally?

A rough approximation is to divide by 1.6. A simpler trick: divide by 2 and add 10% (e.g., 100 kph / 2 = 50 + 5 = 55 mph). The actual value is 62 mph, but it gets you close!