Knot (kn)
The knot (kn) is one nautical mile per hour.
- Origin
- A marine and aviation unit based on the nautical mile of 1,852 m.
- Where it is used
- Used in marine works, aviation and meteorological wind data.
- Relation to SI
- 1 kn = 0.514444 m/s.
Knot to Feet Per Second Converter
Instant, two-way conversion across common engineering units.
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1 kn = 1.6878099 ft/s(Knot → Feet per second)
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Converting knots to feet per second
To convert knots to feet per second, multiply the value by 1.6878099. Speed conversions appear in wind loading, air velocity in ducts and transport analysis, where codes mix metric and imperial units.
Feet Per Second (ft/s)
Feet per second (ft/s) is the imperial speed unit used in engineering.
- Origin
- Derived from the international foot of 0.3048 m.
- Where it is used
- Used for air and water velocity in US mechanical and plumbing design.
- Relation to SI
- 1 ft/s = 0.3048 m/s exactly.
Frequently asked questions
How many feet per second are in one knot?
1 kn equals 1.6878099 ft/s.
How do I convert knots to feet per second?
Multiply the value by 1.6878099. For example, 10 kn equals 16.878099 ft/s.
How do I convert back from feet per second to knots?
1 ft/s equals 0.5924838 kn. The converter above works in both directions, so you can type into either field.
Which speed unit do wind load codes use?
Eurocode and most metric standards state basic wind speed in meters per second, while US standards such as ASCE 7 use miles per hour. Check the averaging period as well as the unit.
What is a knot?
One knot is one nautical mile per hour, about 0.514 m/s. It is standard in marine works, aviation and meteorological data.
Is this speed converter free to use?
Yes. Every unit conversion runs in your browser, needs no account and is free for professional use.