Speed Converter

Convert speed between mph, km/h, m/s, knots, and ft/s instantly.

Common Speed Reference

Descriptionmphkm/hm/s
Walking (casual)3.151.4
Cycling (leisure)12195.3
City speed limit (US)254011.1
Highway speed (US)6510529
Bullet train (Shinkansen)20032089
Speed of sound (sea level)7671,235343

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I convert mph to km/h?

Multiply mph by 1.60934. For example, 60 mph = 60 × 1.60934 = 96.56 km/h. A quick approximation is to multiply by 1.6. To go the other way, multiply km/h by 0.62137.

What is a knot?

A knot is one nautical mile per hour — approximately 1.852 km/h or 1.151 mph. Knots are used in maritime and aviation navigation. The term originated from the practice of measuring ship speed by counting knots in a rope tossed overboard.

How fast is the speed of sound?

The speed of sound in dry air at 20°C is approximately 343 m/s, 1,235 km/h, or 767 mph. It varies with temperature and medium — sound travels faster in warmer air and much faster through water (about 1,480 m/s) and steel (about 5,130 m/s).

What is Mach 1?

Mach 1 is the speed of sound in the current medium. At sea level in standard atmosphere (15°C), Mach 1 ≈ 340 m/s ≈ 1,225 km/h ≈ 761 mph. At cruising altitude (−57°C), Mach 1 drops to about 295 m/s / 1,062 km/h / 660 mph.

What is the speed of light?

The speed of light in a vacuum is 299,792,458 m/s — exactly, by definition of the metre. This is approximately 300,000 km/s, 186,000 miles per second, or 1.08 billion km/h.

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