Feet per second.
ft/s to Knots Converter — ft/s to kn
Convert ft/s (ft/s) to Knots (kn) using the exact conversion factor (1 ft/s = 0.5924838013 knots). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
ft/s to Knots converter
Converter
Speed Converter
Convert road, aviation, marine, lab, and scientific speed units.
Context values
Some unit families need one extra value for a physically accurate result.
A knot is one nautical mile per hour.
Result = input x 0.3048 / 0.5144444444.
Speed uses meters per second as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting ft/s to Knots
ft/s and Knots both describe speed, and the conversion matters whenever a maritime or aviation speed (knots) needs to be compared against a road speed (mph). Specifically: Feet per second, and a knot is one nautical mile per hour.
Formula
knots = ft/s × 0.592483801296
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 ft/s equals 0.3048 base units, and 1 knots equals 0.514444444444 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct ft/s-to-knots factor of 0.592483801296.
Simple example
1 ft/s × 0.5924838013 = 0.5924838013 kn
1 ft/s = 0.5924838013 knots.
Real-world example
10 ft/s × 0.5924838013 = 5.924838013 kn
10 ft/s = 5.924838013 knots.
Conversion table
| ft/s (ft/s) | Knots (kn) |
|---|---|
| 1 ft/s | 0.5924838013 kn |
| 5 ft/s | 2.962419006 kn |
| 10 ft/s | 5.924838013 kn |
| 25 ft/s | 14.81209503 kn |
| 50 ft/s | 29.62419006 kn |
| 100 ft/s | 59.24838013 kn |
Reverse conversion: Knots to ft/s
0.5924838013 kn × 1.687809857 = 1 ft/s
0.5924838013 knots = 1 ft/s.
ft/s = knots × 1.6878098571
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Knots to ft/s.
Understanding the ft/s (ft/s)
Feet per second.
Understanding the Knots
Knots (kn) measures speed. A knot is one nautical mile per hour; since the nautical mile is exactly 1,852 meters, a knot is exactly 1,852/3,600 m/s. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (maritime/aviation).
Where it's used: Used internationally in maritime navigation and aviation
Uses of the Knots today
- Ship and boat speed in marine navigation
- Aircraft airspeed and wind speed reporting in aviation
- Marine weather forecasts (wind speed)
History of the Knots
The knot gets its name from an old nautical method of measuring speed: sailors trailed a 'log line' with evenly spaced knots behind a ship and counted how many knots paid out over a fixed time, giving a direct speed reading in 'knots.'
The nautical mile it's based on was itself standardized internationally in 1929 (the International Nautical Mile, 1,852 m exactly), tying the knot to a precise value still used in shipping and aviation today.
Historical origin. Knots was not the invention of a single named person; it developed through the process described above.
Knots — sources
- BIPM SI Brochure — Non-SI units accepted for use with SI — Lists the knot among accepted non-SI speed units.
Reserved between the cards and the FAQ so the page stays balanced.
Frequently asked questions
How many knots are in 1 ft/s?
1 ft/s equals 0.5924838013 knots, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert ft/s to knots?
Multiply the ft/s value by 0.5924838013. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert knots back to ft/s?
Use the reverse factor: 1 knots equals 1.687809857 ft/s. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
What is a ft/s?
ft/s (ft/s) is a unit of speed.
What is a knots?
Knots (kn) measures speed. A knot is one nautical mile per hour; since the nautical mile is exactly 1,852 meters, a knot is exactly 1,852/3,600 m/s. It is classified as a Non-SI unit accepted for use with SI (maritime/aviation).
Is the ft/s to knots conversion exact?
Yes. A knot is one nautical mile per hour; since the nautical mile is exactly 1,852 meters, a knot is exactly 1,852/3,600 m/s. That fixed definition is what the converter above uses, so any rounding you see is a display choice, not a limitation of the math.