Knot (kn)

Definition

One nautical mile (exactly 1852 m) per hour, used in aviation and at sea.

History

The knot dates from sailing ships, where speed was measured by counting knots on a line let out over a set time. One knot is one nautical mile, exactly 1852 meters, per hour.

Where it is used

Knots are the standard speed unit in aviation and at sea, and are widely used for wind speed.

Typical uses include aviation, sailing and shipping, wind speed.

Conversion pages

These pages convert knot to or from another unit in speed.

• Knot to mile per hour

Other Speed units

• Kilometer per hour (km/h)
• Mile per hour (mph)
• Meter per second (m/s)
• Foot per second (ft/s)

Sources

• NIST HB 44 NIST Handbook 44, Appendix C (Tables of Equivalents — international nautical mile); speeds derived from the exact mile, foot and hour · Dataset reviewed Nov 11, 2026