Understanding Speed Measurements
Speed is measured differently across countries and applications. Most countries use kilometers per hour (km/h) for road speed limits, while the US and UK use miles per hour (mph). Scientific and engineering applications typically use meters per second (m/s), and maritime and aviation use knots.
Understanding speed conversions is important for international travel, automotive comparisons, and interpreting weather data. Wind speeds, for example, may be reported in km/h, mph, or knots depending on the source and country.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert km/h to mph?
Divide the speed in km/h by 1.60934 to get mph. For example, 100 km/h equals approximately 62.14 mph. For a quick estimate, multiply km/h by 0.6. This conversion is essential when driving in countries that use different speed measurement systems.
What is a knot?
A knot equals one nautical mile per hour, or approximately 1.852 km/h (1.151 mph). Knots are used in maritime and aviation navigation worldwide. The term comes from the historical practice of measuring a ship's speed by counting knots on a rope pulled through the water.