A knot is one nautical mile per hour.
Knots to Centimeter per Seconds Converter — kn to cm/s
Convert Knots (kn) to Centimeter per Seconds (cm/s) using the exact conversion factor (1 knots = 51.44444444 centimeter per seconds). See the formula, worked examples, conversion table, history, and common uses.
Knots to Centimeter per Seconds 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.
Distance divided by time.
Result = input x 0.5144444444 / 0.01.
Speed uses meters per second as the base unit.
Reserved above the conversion cards and below the converter.
About Converting Knots to Centimeter per Seconds
Knots and Centimeter per Seconds both describe speed, and the conversion matters whenever a maritime or aviation speed (knots) needs to be compared against a road speed (mph). Knots is most often used for ship and boat speed in marine navigation.
Formula
centimeter per seconds = knots × 51.4444444444
This factor comes from each unit's defined relationship to the category's base unit: 1 knots equals 0.514444444444 base units, and 1 centimeter per seconds equals 0.01 base units, so dividing one by the other gives the direct knots-to-centimeter per seconds factor of 51.4444444444.
Simple example
1 kn × 51.44444444 = 51.44444444 cm/s
1 knots = 51.44444444 centimeter per seconds.
Real-world example
10 kn × 51.44444444 = 514.4444444 cm/s
10 knots = 514.4444444 centimeter per seconds.
Conversion table
| Knots (kn) | Centimeter per Seconds (cm/s) |
|---|---|
| 1 kn | 51.44444444 cm/s |
| 5 kn | 257.2222222 cm/s |
| 10 kn | 514.4444444 cm/s |
| 25 kn | 1,286.111111 cm/s |
| 50 kn | 2,572.222222 cm/s |
| 100 kn | 5,144.444444 cm/s |
Reverse conversion: Centimeter per Seconds to Knots
51.44444444 cm/s × 0.01943844492 = 0.9999999999 kn
51.44444444 centimeter per seconds = 0.9999999999 knots.
knots = centimeter per seconds × 0.0194384449244
For a page dedicated to this direction, see Centimeter per Seconds to Knots.
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.
Understanding the Centimeter per Seconds (cm/s)
Distance divided by time.
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 centimeter per seconds are in 1 knots?
1 knots equals 51.44444444 centimeter per seconds, using the exact defined conversion factor rather than an estimate.
How do I convert knots to centimeter per seconds?
Multiply the knots value by 51.44444444. The converter above does this instantly to whatever precision you set.
How do I convert centimeter per seconds back to knots?
Use the reverse factor: 1 centimeter per seconds equals 0.0194384449 knots. You can also use the swap control in the converter above to flip the direction instantly.
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).
What is a centimeter per seconds?
Centimeter per Seconds (cm/s) is a unit of speed.
Is the knots to centimeter per seconds 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.
Where is the knots still used today?
Used internationally in maritime navigation and aviation