Convert Knot (kt) to Meter/Second (m/s) instantly.
About these units
Knot (kt)
A knot is equal to one nautical mile per hour, or 1.852 km/h, and is the standard unit of speed in aviation and maritime navigation. Knots are intimately linked to navigation because nautical miles represent distances along Earth's spherical surface. A ship or aircraft traveling at 1 knot moves over one minute of arc of latitude in one hour—reflecting its origins in astronomical navigation. Using knots allows mariners and pilots to integrate seamlessly with charts, headings, coordinate systems, and wind speed conventions. The unit symbolizes centuries of seafaring tradition and remains indispensable for global navigation.
Meter/Second (m/s)
The meter per second is the SI unit of speed, representing the distance traveled in meters over one second. It is the foundational unit for physics, engineering, and scientific measurement because it derives directly from SI definitions of distance and time. In physics, m/s appears everywhere: from the velocity of falling objects and planetary orbits to the propagation of waves and fluid flow. It is the preferred unit when describing speeds mathematically because it integrates cleanly with SI-based equations involving energy, force, and momentum. Although not commonly used in everyday life—where km/h or mph dominate—m/s is essential for precision. Weather forecasts, for example, often use m/s for wind speeds in scientific analyses even if the public version converts to more familiar units. The clarity and mathematical consistency of m/s make it indispensable in scientific communication.