1. What is MPH to Knots Conversion?

Definition: This calculator converts wind speed from miles per hour (mph) to knots (nautical miles per hour).

Purpose: It's essential for aviation, marine navigation, and meteorology where wind speeds are typically reported in knots.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( S_{knots} \) — Wind speed in knots
• \( S_{mph} \) — Wind speed in miles per hour

Explanation: 1 knot equals 1 nautical mile per hour, and 1 nautical mile equals 1.15078 statute miles.

3. Importance of Wind Speed Conversion

Details: Accurate wind speed conversion is crucial for flight planning, ship navigation, and weather forecasting where different measurement systems are used.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the wind speed in miles per hour (must be > 0) and the calculator will provide the equivalent in knots.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are knots used instead of mph in aviation?
A: Knots are used because nautical miles are based on the Earth's circumference, making navigation calculations more straightforward.

Q2: How accurate is this conversion?
A: The conversion is mathematically precise with the constant 1.15078 statute miles per nautical mile.

Q3: What's the difference between a knot and mph?
A: 1 knot = 1.15078 mph. Knots measure nautical miles per hour while mph measures statute miles per hour.

Q4: When would I need to convert wind speeds?
A: When comparing weather reports (often in mph) with aviation/marine forecasts (typically in knots).

Q5: Is there a quick mental calculation?
A: For rough estimates, you can subtract 15% from mph to get approximate knots (knots ≈ mph × 0.87).