Knot

A knot is a derived unit of speed or velocity that uses length in nautical miles and time in hours.[1] Both speed and velocity are measured by taking the distance traveled during some duration, and dividing that length by a time. For more information about knots, please see Dr. Rowlett's dictionary.

Examples

  • Typical large container ships travel somewhere between 20-25 knots
  • Typical long distance airspeed of a commercial flight is 475-500 knots
  • The highest wind speeds have been recorded up to about 200 knots

Velocity Unit Conversion

Please see below to convert among various units for speed/velocity:



For Further Reading

References

  1. NASA. (1996). Knots vs Miles per Hour [Online], Available:http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/WindTunnel/Activities/knots_vs_mph.html