Knots Formula:
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Knots conversion calculates speed in nautical miles per hour. One knot equals one nautical mile per hour, making it the standard unit of speed in maritime and aviation navigation.
The calculator uses the knots formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula calculates speed by dividing the distance traveled in nautical miles by the time taken in hours.
Details: Knots calculation is essential for navigation, marine operations, aviation, and weather forecasting. It helps determine vessel speed, estimated arrival times, and fuel consumption planning.
Tips: Enter distance in nautical miles and time in hours. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the speed in knots.
Q1: What is the difference between knots and miles per hour?
A: One knot equals 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 navigation?
A: Knots are used because nautical miles correspond to one minute of latitude, making them more practical for chart reading and navigation calculations.
Q3: Can I use this calculator for air speed calculations?
A: Yes, knots are also the standard unit for air speed in aviation. The same formula applies for calculating aircraft speed.
Q4: What if my time is in minutes instead of hours?
A: Convert minutes to hours by dividing by 60. For example, 30 minutes = 0.5 hours, 15 minutes = 0.25 hours.
Q5: How accurate is knots calculation for navigation?
A: Very accurate when proper measurements are used. Modern GPS systems provide precise distance and time measurements for reliable knots calculations.