Speed Conversion Calculator

Convert between different speed units including mph, km/h, m/s, knots, and more

Speed Unit Converter

Miles per Hour

Kilometers per Hour

Common Speed Examples

Highway Speed Limit

70 mph = 112.7 km/h

70 mph = 31.3 m/s

Running Pace

6 mph = 9.7 km/h

6 mph = 2.7 m/s

Commercial Aircraft

500 mph = 804.7 km/h

500 mph = 434 knots

Key Conversion Factors

1 mph =1.609 km/h
1 m/s =3.6 km/h
1 m/s =2.237 mph
1 knot =1.151 mph
1 ft/s =0.681 mph
1 ft/s =0.305 m/s

Speed Unit Categories

I

Imperial/US

mph, ft/s, yd/s

Common in US, UK

M

Metric

km/h, m/s, cm/s

International standard

N

Nautical

knots

Maritime and aviation

Common Applications

🚗

Vehicle speed limits and performance

🏃

Running and athletics training

✈️

Aviation and flight planning

Marine navigation

📊

Scientific and engineering calculations

Understanding Speed Conversion

What is Speed?

Speed is the rate at which an object covers distance. It's a scalar quantity that describes how fast something is moving, without considering the direction of movement. Speed is calculated as distance divided by time.

Speed vs Velocity

  • Speed: How fast (scalar quantity)
  • Velocity: How fast + direction (vector quantity)
  • Speed is always positive or zero
  • Velocity can be positive or negative

Common Speed Units

Everyday Use

  • mph: Cars, speed limits (US/UK)
  • km/h: Cars, speed limits (worldwide)
  • knots: Ships, aircraft

Scientific Use

  • m/s: Physics, engineering
  • ft/s: Engineering (US)
  • km/s: Astronomy, space

Conversion Formula

Speed₂ = Speed₁ × Conversion Factor

All conversions use meters per second (m/s) as the base unit

Example: 60 mph to km/h

1. Convert mph to m/s: 60 × 0.44704 = 26.82 m/s

2. Convert m/s to km/h: 26.82 × 3.6 = 96.55 km/h

Result: 60 mph = 96.6 km/h

Practical Applications

Transportation

Converting speed limits when traveling between countries, calculating fuel efficiency, trip planning.

Sports & Fitness

Track and field records, running pace calculations, cycling performance metrics.

Engineering

Fluid dynamics, mechanical systems design, safety calculations, material testing.