Nautical Mile Calculator
Convert nautical miles to other units and calculate navigation distances
Nautical Mile Converter & Calculator
Calculation Mode
Conversion Results
Conversion Factors: 1 nautical mile = 1.15078 statute miles = 1.852 kilometers = 1852 meters
Quick Conversions
Navigation Facts
Nautical miles are based on Earth's circumference
1 nautical mile = 1 minute of latitude
Used in aviation and marine navigation
More accurate for long-distance navigation
International standard for maritime distances
Understanding Nautical Miles
What is a Nautical Mile?
A nautical mile is a unit of distance used in air and marine navigation. It's based on the circumference of the Earth and equals one minute (1/60 of a degree) of latitude.
Key Conversions
1 Nautical Mile =
• 1.15078 statute miles
• 1.852 kilometers
• 1852 meters
• 6076 feet
Why Use Nautical Miles?
- •Directly related to Earth's geometry
- •Simplifies navigation calculations
- •Standard in aviation and maritime industries
- •More accurate for long-distance travel
Knots and Speed
What is a Knot?
A knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. It's the standard speed measurement in aviation and marine navigation.
Speed Calculations:
• Distance = Speed × Time
• Speed = Distance ÷ Time
• Time = Distance ÷ Speed
Historical Origin:
The term "knot" comes from the historical method of measuring ship speed using a rope with knots at regular intervals thrown overboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a nautical mile longer than a statute mile?
Nautical miles are based on Earth's circumference and latitude lines, making them about 15% longer than statute miles. This makes them more accurate for navigation across the Earth's curved surface.
How do I convert knots to mph?
To convert knots to miles per hour, multiply by 1.15078. For example, 20 knots = 20 × 1.15078 = 23.02 mph. This is because knots are based on nautical miles per hour.
When should I use nautical miles vs. regular miles?
Use nautical miles for aviation, marine navigation, and meteorology. Use statute miles for land-based travel and everyday distance measurements. Nautical miles are more accurate for long-distance navigation.