How Fast is a "Knot"?

[Codedog]

An obvious newbie question here! How do you convert M.P.H. to Knots and vice-versa? For that matter, what exactly "is" a knot? I mean how did they come up with that term originally?

 

[Beernutz]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

How fast is a knot?<br /><br />I can tie a bowline in about 1.2 seconds.<br /><br />Your "knot" is one nautical mile per hour. One nautical mile = 1.1508 miles, or 1.852 kilometers.<br />Therefore, one knot = 1.1508 mph, or 1.852 kph.<br /><br />Take the circumference of the earth, and divide it into degrees and minutes. One minute of arc is one nautical mile. The circumference of the earth, then, becomes 21,600 nautical miles at the equator, the number of minutes in a complete circle. (360 degrees X 60 minutes per degree).<br /><br />Hope this helps.

 

[FNG]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

1 knot = 1.15078mph<br /><br />5 knots = 5.7539mph<br />10 knots = 11.5078mph<br />20 knots = 23.0156mph<br /><br />knots x 1.15078 = MPH<br /><br />MPH / 1.15078 = Knots<br /><br />

 

[pete881960]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

try this:<br /><br /> http://www.onlineconversion.com/length.htm

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

This is a little easier:<br /> MPH X .8689 = Knots<br /> Knots X 1.151 = Statute miles per hour<br /><br />From the above 20 Knots X 1.151= 23.02

 

[crab bait]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

yea, the knot mile is based upon real stuff ( the planet ) . not the length of a kings foot or tip of his nose or other body parts.........

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

A "knot" is one nautical mile per hour. A nautical mile is one degree latitude (or longitude, I forget), or 6,000 feet.<br /><br />The navy type guys use it because it is easier to look at a nautical chart and figure distances and speed.<br /><br />A rough rule of thumb is 5 mph = 6 knots.

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

Whoops, wrong rule of thumb, use 5 knots = 6 mph.

 

[Beernutz]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

That's a big nautical mile, Seadog!<br /><br />Actually, it would be 1/60 of one degree of longitude at the equator.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

You guys are getting carried away here :<br /> A KNOT is a measure of speed equal to one "Nautical" mile (6076) feet.<br /><br />Some say 6000 feet, some say 6080 feet!<br /> <br />5 knots = 6mph, if you round up the decimals.<br />Check my conversions above!!!!!

 

[Beernutz]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

Sorry, Pursuit. Just trying to answer the second part of the question.

 

[Bobby Powell]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

AW Man...I had it all wrong...I thought knots was a measurement of speed based on the amount of visable knots tied into a line being towed behind a boat/ship/vessel. Excactly what the distance is between each knot on the line? I dont know that one but I figured that is what a knotometer is for. <br /><br />Bobby Powell

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

Thanks Persuit and Beernutz for keeping me honest, too much coffee on my lunchbreak and not enough proofreading. <br /><br />Yesterday was not a good day.

 

[Beernutz]

Re: How Fast is a "Knot"?

No problem, S D.<br /><br />You were right there with the distance and conversion rule. Just a little off on the geometry. <br /><br />Hope today's a better day. And tomorrow's Friday!