Knots to mph Converter

Convert knots to mph and back — 1 knot = 1.15077945 mph. Free, instant, no sign-up, full working shown.

Convert knots ⇄ mph

23.0156 mph
20 kn = 23.0156 mph (1 kn = 1.15077945 mph (exact))

Formula: 20 kn × 1.15077945 = 23.0156 mph

How the knots to mph converter conversion works

The converter applies mph = knots × 1.15077945. A knot is 1.852 km/h and a mile is 1.609344 km, so the factor is 1.852 ÷ 1.609344 = 1.15077945. Going the other way, knots = mph ÷ 1.15077945.

Worked example: a boat cruising at 10 knots is doing 10 × 1.15077945 = 11.5078 mph, and 100 knots is 115.0779 mph.

For the distance behind the knot, use our nautical miles to km converter; for road speeds, the kmh to mph converter.

knots to mph converter questions

How many mph is 1 knot?
1.15077945 mph. A knot is one nautical mile per hour, and a nautical mile is 1.852 km, so 1.852 ÷ 1.609344 = 1.15077945 mph.
What is a knot?
A knot is a speed of one nautical mile per hour — 1.852 km/h. It comes from the knotted rope sailors once trailed behind ships to measure speed.
How do I convert knots to mph?
Multiply by 1.15077945: mph = knots × 1.15077945. So 20 knots is 20 × 1.15077945 = 23.015589 mph.
How do I convert mph back to knots?
Divide by 1.15077945: knots = mph ÷ 1.15077945. So 60 mph is ≈ 52.14 knots.
What wind speed is a Category 1 hurricane in knots?
A Category 1 hurricane starts at 74 mph, which is 74 ÷ 1.15077945 = ≈ 64.3 knots.

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Sources & official guidance

Estimate only — 1 knot is 1.15077945 mph by definition; conversions are exact. See our disclaimer.