Speed Converter
Speed Converter Usage Guide
Our accurate and user-friendly speed converter allows you to easily switch between different units of measure, such as the metric system, imperial system, or units used in maritime navigation and aeronautics. Follow these simple instructions to perform your conversions:
- Enter the value you wish to convert in the provided field.
- Select the starting speed unit from the associated dropdown menu.
- Select the target speed unit from the second dropdown menu.
- Press the "Convert" button to see the result appear instantly.
- To start a new conversion, click on "Clear" and repeat the process.
Understanding Speed Units
Whether you are an engineering professional, an automobile sports enthusiast, or a navigator, understanding different speed units is essential. Here are the most common categories:
Metric Units
- km/h: Kilometer per hour, widely used globally as a standard unit of speed, particularly in countries that follow the metric system, including Europe, Canada, and many others.
- m/s: Meter per second is frequently used for scientific and technical applications.
- km/s: Kilometer per second is a key unit in astrophysics and space research.
Imperial Units
- mi/h: Mile per hour is commonly used in Anglo-Saxon countries for road traffic.
- ft/s: Foot per second is often used in aeronautics to measure landing or takeoff speeds.
Nautical and Astronomical Units
- knot: Knot corresponds to a nautical mile per hour and is the reference for speed in navigation.
- c: The speed of light, the ultimate speed unit in a vacuum, is a universal constant in physics.
How to Convert Speed Units
To precisely convert speeds from one unit to another, it is essential to master the equivalences between distance and time units. Let's take the example of converting kilometers per hour (km/h) to meters per second (m/s), which are the standard speed units in the international system. We will convert 80 km/h to m/s.
- First, express the speed in km/h to be converted, as a fraction, i.e., `80*(km)/h`.
- Then convert kilometers to meters, knowing that 1 km equals 1,000 meters.
- Transform hours into seconds, one hour corresponding to 3,600 seconds.
- Perform the calculation by replacing "km" with 1,000 m and "h" with 3,600 to convert into seconds, which gives you `(80 * 1000 * m)/(3600 * s)`.
- The result is that 80 km/h is equivalent to approximately 22.222 m/s.
This method ensures that your conversions are accurate and conform to international standards, crucial for technical, scientific applications or compliance with safety norms.
Quick Method
When you need a quick conversion without requiring absolute precision, approximate methods can be employed.
- To convert from km/h to m/s, multiply by 0.27 or more simply by 0.3 if you want a rough approximation.
- To convert from m/s to km/h, multiply by 3.6.
- To switch from km/h to mi/h, multiply by approximately 0.6214.
- To convert from mi/h to km/h, multiply by 1.60934.
These simple methods provide a quick estimate, useful for less critical applications such as speed estimates during travel or for sports activities.
Quick Conversion Examples
If you have a speed of 200 km/h and want to quickly convert it to m/s:
- Multiply by 0.3 to get 200 km/h * 0.3 = approximately 60 m/s (a factor of 0.27 is more precise).
If you have a speed of 50 km/h and want to quickly convert it to miles per hour:
- Multiply by 0.6214 to get 50 km/h * 0.6214 = 31.07 mi/h.
Conversely, to convert 30 mi/h to km/h:
- Multiply by 1.60934 to get 30 mi/h * 1.60934 = 48.28 km/h.
These quick conversions allow you to adapt your speeds for international communication, whether in the sporting domain, for engineering projects, or during your travels abroad.
Importance of Precise Speed Conversion in Navigation and Aviation
In areas such as maritime navigation and aviation, precise speed conversion is vital for safety and efficiency of operations. At sea, an accurate speed estimate is crucial for precise navigation, while in aviation, correct speed conversion is essential for complying with air regulations and effective air traffic management.
FAQ on Speed Conversion
- How to convert mph to km/h?
- To convert miles per hour (mph) to kilometers per hour (km/h), use the conversion factor of 1.60934. Simply multiply your speed in mph by this factor to get the speed in km/h. For example, 60 mph is equivalent to 60 * 1.60934 = 96.56 km/h.
- What is the most precise method to convert knots to m/s?
- The most precise conversion of knots (nautical miles per hour) to meters per second (m/s) requires using the factor of 0.514444. Multiply the speed in knots by this factor to get an accurate conversion to m/s. For example, 20 knots is equivalent to 20 * 0.514444 = 10.29 m/s.
- How can runners use the converter to understand the relationship between speed and pace?
- Runners often use the converter to understand the relationship between their speed and pace, which is essential for planning their training and races. Pace, usually expressed in minutes per kilometer or mile, can be derived from speed. Our converter helps in making this calculation by converting speeds, for example from km/h to minutes per km, for better training planning. For more specific pace calculations, also consult our dedicated Pace Calculators.
- How can motorists use the speed converter to understand speed in different units during international travel?
- Motorists traveling internationally can use the speed converter to adapt to different units of measurement. For example, a European motorist traveling in the United States can convert speed from km/h to mph to better understand and adhere to local speed limits. Similarly, an American driving in Europe would benefit from converting mph to km/h to comply with speed indications on road signs and maps.
Available Speed Units for Conversion
Standard units
km/h : km per hour
m/s : meter per second
km/s : km per second
m/min : meter per minute
km/min : km per minute
m/h : meter per hour
Imperial system
mph : miles per hour
mi/min : miles per minute
mi/s : miles per second
in/h : inch per hour
in/min : inch per minute
in/s : inch per second
ft/h : foot per hour
ft/min : fpm or foot per minute
ft/s : foot per second
Other units
knot : nautical mile per hour
c : light speed
s : sound speed - mach
Cultural and Technical Significance of Measurement Systems
Understanding metric and imperial speed units goes beyond mere conversion. It's about appreciating how these units integrate into varied cultural and technical contexts. For instance, while the metric system is universally adopted for its scientific consistency, the imperial system remains rooted in traditions and practices specific to certain countries. This diversity underscores the importance of having reliable and accurate conversion tools, adapted to a world where science, commerce, and culture constantly intersect and interact.
Our speed converter facilitates this interaction by enabling quick and accurate conversions between these systems, ensuring that professionals from all fields can communicate and operate effectively, regardless of the unit of measurement used.
Speed Conversion Tables
The conversion tables below provide a quick reference for switching between different speed units. Use our tool to easily convert speeds according to your specific needs, whether for professional projects, academic studies, or personal hobbies.
Standard units / Standard units| # | km/h | m/s | km/s | m/min | km/min | m/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 km/h = | 1 | 0.2778 | 0.0003 | 16.6667 | 0.0167 | 1000 |
| 1 m/s = | 3.6 | 1 | 0.001 | 60 | 0.06 | 3600 |
| 1 km/s = | 3600 | 1000 | 1 | 60000 | 60 | 3.6e+6 |
| 1 m/min = | 0.06 | 0.0167 | 1.6667e-5 | 1 | 0.001 | 60 |
| 1 km/min = | 60 | 16.6667 | 0.0167 | 1000 | 1 | 59999.9995 |
| 1 m/h = | 0.001 | 0.0003 | 2.7778e-7 | 0.0167 | 1.6667e-5 | 1 |
Standard units / Imperial system
| # | mph | mi/min | mi/s | in/h | in/min | in/s | ft/h | ft/min | ft/s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 km/h = | 0.6214 | 0.0104 | 0.0002 | 39682.5397 | 661.3757 | 10.9361 | 3267.9739 | 54.6807 | 0.9113 |
| 1 m/s = | 2.2369 | 0.0373 | 0.0006 | 1.4286e+5 | 2380.9524 | 39.3701 | 11764.7059 | 196.8504 | 3.2808 |
| 1 km/s = | 2236.9363 | 37.2823 | 0.6214 | 1.4286e+8 | 2.381e+6 | 39370.0787 | 1.1765e+7 | 1.9685e+5 | 3280.8399 |
| 1 m/min = | 0.0373 | 0.0006 | 1.0356e-5 | 2380.9524 | 39.6825 | 0.6562 | 196.0784 | 3.2808 | 0.0547 |
| 1 km/min = | 37.2823 | 0.6214 | 0.0104 | 2.381e+6 | 39682.5397 | 656.168 | 1.9608e+5 | 3280.8399 | 54.6807 |
| 1 m/h = | 0.0006 | 1.0356e-5 | 1.726e-7 | 39.6825 | 0.6614 | 0.0109 | 3.268 | 0.0547 | 0.0009 |
Standard units / Other units
| # | knot | c | s |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 km/h = | 0.54 | 9.2657e-10 | 0.0008 |
| 1 m/s = | 1.9438 | 3.3356e-9 | 0.0029 |
| 1 km/s = | 1943.8445 | 3.3356e-6 | 2.9412 |
| 1 m/min = | 0.0324 | 5.5594e-11 | 4.902e-5 |
| 1 km/min = | 32.3974 | 5.5594e-8 | 0.049 |
| 1 m/h = | 0.0005 | 9.2657e-13 | 8.1699e-7 |
Imperial system / Standard units
| # | km/h | m/s | km/s | m/min | km/min | m/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mph = | 1.6093 | 0.447 | 0.0004 | 26.8224 | 0.0268 | 1609.344 |
| 1 mi/min = | 96.5606 | 26.8224 | 0.0268 | 1609.344 | 1.6093 | 96560.6392 |
| 1 mi/s = | 5793.6384 | 1609.344 | 1.6093 | 96560.64 | 96.5606 | 5.7936e+6 |
| 1 in/h = | 2.52e-5 | 7.0e-6 | 7.0e-9 | 0.0004 | 4.2e-7 | 0.0252 |
| 1 in/min = | 0.0015 | 0.0004 | 4.2e-7 | 0.0252 | 2.52e-5 | 1.512 |
| 1 in/s = | 0.0914 | 0.0254 | 2.54e-5 | 1.524 | 0.0015 | 91.44 |
| 1 ft/h = | 0.0003 | 0.0001 | 8.5e-8 | 0.0051 | 5.1e-6 | 0.306 |
| 1 ft/min = | 0.0183 | 0.0051 | 5.08e-6 | 0.3048 | 0.0003 | 18.288 |
| 1 ft/s = | 1.0973 | 0.3048 | 0.0003 | 18.288 | 0.0183 | 1097.28 |
Imperial system / Imperial system
| # | mph | mi/min | mi/s | in/h | in/min | in/s | ft/h | ft/min | ft/s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mph = | 1 | 0.0167 | 0.0003 | 63862.8571 | 1064.381 | 17.6 | 5259.2941 | 88 | 1.4667 |
| 1 mi/min = | 60 | 1 | 0.0167 | 3.8318e+6 | 63862.8571 | 1056 | 3.1556e+5 | 5280 | 88 |
| 1 mi/s = | 3600 | 60 | 1 | 2.2991e+8 | 3.8318e+6 | 63360 | 1.8933e+7 | 3.168e+5 | 5280 |
| 1 in/h = | 1.5659e-5 | 2.6098e-7 | 4.3496e-9 | 1 | 0.0167 | 0.0003 | 0.0824 | 0.0014 | 2.2966e-5 |
| 1 in/min = | 0.0009 | 1.5659e-5 | 2.6098e-7 | 60 | 1 | 0.0165 | 4.9412 | 0.0827 | 0.0014 |
| 1 in/s = | 0.0568 | 0.0009 | 1.5783e-5 | 3628.5714 | 60.4762 | 1 | 298.8235 | 5 | 0.0833 |
| 1 ft/h = | 0.0002 | 3.169e-6 | 5.2817e-8 | 12.1429 | 0.2024 | 0.0033 | 1 | 0.0167 | 0.0003 |
| 1 ft/min = | 0.0114 | 0.0002 | 3.1566e-6 | 725.7143 | 12.0952 | 0.2 | 59.7647 | 1 | 0.0167 |
| 1 ft/s = | 0.6818 | 0.0114 | 0.0002 | 43542.8571 | 725.7143 | 12 | 3585.8824 | 60 | 1 |
Imperial system / Other units
| # | knot | c | s |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mph = | 0.869 | 1.4912e-9 | 0.0013 |
| 1 mi/min = | 52.1386 | 8.947e-8 | 0.0789 |
| 1 mi/s = | 3128.3145 | 5.3682e-6 | 4.7334 |
| 1 in/h = | 1.3607e-5 | 2.3349e-14 | 2.0588e-8 |
| 1 in/min = | 0.0008 | 1.401e-12 | 1.2353e-6 |
| 1 in/s = | 0.0494 | 8.4725e-11 | 0.0001 |
| 1 ft/h = | 0.0002 | 2.8353e-13 | 2.5e-7 |
| 1 ft/min = | 0.0099 | 1.6945e-11 | 1.4941e-5 |
| 1 ft/s = | 0.5925 | 1.0167e-9 | 0.0009 |
Other units / Standard units
| # | km/h | m/s | km/s | m/min | km/min | m/h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 knot = | 1.852 | 0.5144 | 0.0005 | 30.8667 | 0.0309 | 1852 |
| 1 c = | 1.0793e+9 | 2.9979e+8 | 2.9979e+5 | 1.7988e+10 | 1.7988e+7 | 1.0793e+12 |
| 1 s = | 1224 | 340 | 0.34 | 20400 | 20.4 | 1.224e+6 |
Other units / Imperial system
| # | mph | mi/min | mi/s | in/h | in/min | in/s | ft/h | ft/min | ft/s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 knot = | 1.1508 | 0.0192 | 0.0003 | 73492.0635 | 1224.8677 | 20.2537 | 6052.2876 | 101.2686 | 1.6878 |
| 1 c = | 6.7062e+8 | 1.1177e+7 | 1.8628e+5 | 4.2827e+13 | 7.1379e+11 | 1.1803e+10 | 3.527e+12 | 5.9014e+10 | 9.8357e+8 |
| 1 s = | 760.5583 | 12.676 | 0.2113 | 4.8571e+7 | 8.0952e+5 | 13385.8268 | 4.0e+6 | 66929.1339 | 1115.4856 |
Our conversion tables are designed to be used by professionals and amateurs for whom accuracy is paramount. Convert now and ensure that your speed data is accurate and conforms to international standards.
See also
Speed Calulator
Pace Calulators
Unit conversion