Speed conversion table: m/s, km/h, ft/s, ft/min and nautical miles/h

This table provides an overview of conversions between different speed units, such as meters per second (m/s), kilometers per hour (km/h), feet per second (ft/s) and knots (nautical miles per hour). The table is useful when you need to quickly convert between units in industry, flow measurement, pump sizing, marine applications or engineering calculations where different systems are used simultaneously.

Speed Conversion Table

Common speed conversions

m/s to km/h

To convert meters per second to kilometers per hour, multiply the value by 3.6.

Example:
1 m/s = 3.6 km/h
10 m/s = 36 km/h

This is a common conversion used when comparing technical speed values with more everyday speed measurements.

km/h to m/s

To convert kilometers per hour to meters per second, divide the value by 3.6.

Example:
36 km/h = 10 m/s
72 km/h = 20 m/s

This conversion is often used in technical calculations where m/s is the preferred unit.

m/min to m/s

To convert meters per minute to meters per second, divide the value by 60.

Example:
60 m/min = 1 m/s
120 m/min = 2 m/s

Meters per minute are sometimes used in processes where movement or flow occurs at a slower rate and where m/s is less practical.

ft/s to m/s

To convert feet per second to meters per second, multiply the value by 0.3048.

Example:
1 ft/s = 0.3048 m/s
10 ft/s = 3.048 m/s

This is common when specifications or data sheets use British units of measurement.

ft/min to m/s

To convert feet per minute to meters per second, multiply the value by 0.00508.

Example:
100 ft/min = 0.508 m/s
1,000 ft/min = 5.08 m/s

Feet per minute is commonly used in technical contexts where airflows, ventilation, or speeds are specified according to the British imperial system.

nautical miles per hour to kilometers per hour

Nautical miles per hour are also known as knots and are primarily used in maritime contexts. To convert nautical miles per hour to kilometers per hour, multiply the value by approximately 1.852.

Example:
1 nautical mile/h = approximately 1.852 km/h
10 nautical miles per hour = approximately 18.52 km/h

Why is flow rate important when choosing a pump or hose?

Velocity affects how the fluid moves through the system. When selecting a pump, hose, or pipe, velocity must often be considered in conjunction with flow rate, viscosity, density, pressure, and the dimensions of the hose or pipe.

A properly sized hose or pipe helps ensure a stable flow and reduces the risk of unnecessarily high pressure drops. It can also contribute to improved operational reliability and a longer service life for the system’s components.