Conversion Formula:
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Wind speed conversion between knots and kilometers per hour is essential for meteorology, aviation, and maritime applications. Knots (nautical miles per hour) are commonly used in navigation, while kilometers per hour are standard in many countries for weather reporting.
The calculator uses the conversion formula:
Where:
Explanation: The conversion factor 1.852 comes from the definition of a nautical mile (1,852 meters) and the relationship between nautical miles and kilometers.
Details: Accurate wind speed conversion is crucial for flight planning, weather forecasting, sailing navigation, and understanding weather warnings across different measurement systems used worldwide.
Tips: Enter wind speed in knots (must be ≥ 0). The calculator will instantly convert to kilometers per hour with precision to two decimal places.
Q1: Why are knots used for wind speed?
A: Knots are used in aviation and maritime contexts because they relate directly to nautical miles, which are based on the Earth's circumference and are convenient for navigation.
Q2: What is the difference between knots and km/h?
A: 1 knot equals 1.852 km/h. Knots measure speed in nautical miles per hour, while km/h measures speed in kilometers per hour.
Q3: When should I use knots vs km/h for wind speed?
A: Use knots for aviation, maritime, and meteorological purposes; use km/h for general weather reporting in countries using the metric system.
Q4: How accurate is the conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically exact since 1 knot is defined as exactly 1.852 km/h.
Q5: Can I convert km/h back to knots?
A: Yes, use the formula: Knots = KMH ÷ 1.852 or multiply KMH by approximately 0.54.