The knot is a unit of speed used in marine and air navigation, equal to one nautical mile per hour.
The name comes from a historical method of measuring a ship's speed using a knotted rope reeled out behind the vessel.
Measurement system: Non-SI, international navigational unit. SI equivalent: 1 knot ≈ 0.5144 m/s.
Knot facts
- Unit name
- Knot
- Symbol
- kn
- Category
- Speed
- Measurement system
- Non-SI, international navigational unit
- SI equivalent
- 1 knot ≈ 0.5144 m/s
- Common uses
- Marine and air navigation, and wind speed forecasts
Definition of the knot
The knot is a unit of speed used in marine and air navigation, equal to one nautical mile per hour.
Measurement system and SI relationship
Non-SI, international navigational unit
SI equivalent: 1 knot ≈ 0.5144 m/s
History of the knot
The name comes from a historical method of measuring a ship's speed using a knotted rope reeled out behind the vessel.
Where is the knot used?
Marine and air navigation, and wind speed forecasts