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The FPS to Knots conversion is used to convert speed measurements from feet per second (FPS) to knots. This conversion is particularly useful in aviation, maritime navigation, and meteorology where different speed units are commonly used.
The conversion uses the following formula:
Where:
Explanation: One knot equals one nautical mile per hour, and since one nautical mile is 6,076.12 feet and one hour has 3,600 seconds, the conversion factor is derived from 6,076.12 ÷ 3,600 ≈ 1.68781.
Details: Accurate speed conversion is essential for navigation, flight planning, weather reporting, and ensuring safety in transportation systems where different measurement systems are used interchangeably.
Tips: Enter the speed value in feet per second (FPS). The value must be non-negative. The converter will automatically calculate the equivalent speed in knots.
Q1: What is the difference between knots and miles per hour?
A: One knot equals approximately 1.15078 miles per hour. Knots are based on nautical miles (1,852 meters) while MPH are based on statute miles (1,609 meters).
Q2: Why are knots used instead of MPH in aviation and maritime?
A: Knots are used because they relate directly to nautical miles, which are based on the Earth's circumference and are more practical for navigation over long distances.
Q3: How accurate is the conversion factor?
A: The conversion factor 1.68781 is precise for most practical applications. It's derived from the international definition of a nautical mile as exactly 1,852 meters.
Q4: Can I convert knots back to FPS?
A: Yes, to convert knots to FPS, multiply the knots value by 1.68781 (FPS = Knots × 1.68781).
Q5: What are typical FPS values for common speeds?
A: Walking speed is about 4-5 FPS (2.4-3 knots), car highway speed is about 100 FPS (59 knots), and commercial aircraft cruise at about 800-900 FPS (474-533 knots).