28 miles per hour (mph) is equal to approximately 24.3104 knots.
Converting mph to knots involves multiplying the speed in miles per hour by a fixed factor because knots measure nautical miles per hour, which differs from statute miles per hour.
Conversion Tool
Result in knots:
Conversion Formula
The formula for converting miles per hour (mph) to knots is:
knots = mph × 0.868976242
This works because one mile per hour equals approximately 0.868976242 knots. Knots measure nautical miles per hour, and since a nautical mile is about 1.15078 statute miles, the conversion factor comes from the inverse of that ratio.
Example calculation for 28 mph:
- Multiply 28 by 0.868976242
- 28 × 0.868976242 = 24.3104 knots (rounded to 4 decimals)
Conversion Example
- Convert 45 mph to knots:
- Multiply 45 by 0.868976242
- 45 × 0.868976242 = 39.1039 knots
- Convert 10 mph to knots:
- Multiply 10 by 0.868976242
- 10 × 0.868976242 = 8.6898 knots
- Convert 60 mph to knots:
- Multiply 60 by 0.868976242
- 60 × 0.868976242 = 52.1386 knots
- Convert 5 mph to knots:
- Multiply 5 by 0.868976242
- 5 × 0.868976242 = 4.3449 knots
- Convert 33 mph to knots:
- Multiply 33 by 0.868976242
- 33 × 0.868976242 = 28.6762 knots
Conversion Chart
| MPH | Knots |
|---|---|
| 3.0 | 2.6069 |
| 9.0 | 7.8208 |
| 15.0 | 13.0346 |
| 21.0 | 18.2485 |
| 27.0 | 23.4623 |
| 33.0 | 28.6762 |
| 39.0 | 33.8900 |
| 45.0 | 39.1039 |
| 51.0 | 44.3177 |
| 53.0 | 46.2548 |
The chart shows mph values in the left column and their equivalent knots in the right column. To find the knots for any mph value listed, just read across to the right. This can help quick reference without calculation.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many knots is 28 mph exactly?
- What is the difference between 28 mph and 28 knots in speed?
- Can 28 mph be converted directly to knots without a calculator?
- Is 28 mph faster or slower than 28 knots?
- How do you convert 28 miles per hour to nautical knots?
- What is the equivalent of 28 mph in knots for boating speed?
- How do 28 mph and knots compare for aviation purposes?
Conversion Definitions
mph: Miles per hour (mph) measures speed by counting how many miles are traveled during one hour. It is commonly used in the United States and other countries for land vehicle speeds, and is based on the statute mile length of 5,280 feet.
knots: Knots measure speed in nautical miles per hour. One knot equals one nautical mile traveled in one hour. Nautical miles are longer than statute miles, approximately 6,076 feet, making knots useful in maritime and aviation navigation.
Conversion FAQs
Why use knots instead of mph in marine navigation?
Knots are preferred because nautical miles relate directly to the Earth’s geometry, making them better for charting courses on seas. Using knots aligns speed measurement with latitude and longitude, simplifying navigation calculations for sailors and pilots.
Is the conversion factor between mph and knots exact?
No, the factor 0.868976242 is precise but rounded for practical use. It derives from the ratio between statute miles and nautical miles, which have fixed but slightly different lengths, so small rounding differences may occurs in conversions.
Can I convert knots back to mph easily?
Yes, to convert knots to mph, multiply knots by approximately 1.15078, the inverse of the mph-to-knots factor. This reverses the conversion to get speed in miles per hour from nautical miles per hour.
Are mph and knots ever used interchangeably?
They shouldn’t be used interchangeably because they measure different mile lengths. Confusing them can cause errors in navigation or speed reporting, especially in aviation and maritime contexts where precision is critical.
Does wind speed use knots or mph?
Wind speed is commonly reported in knots, especially in weather forecasting for marine and aviation sectors. However, some land-based weather reports use mph or kilometers per hour, depending on the country.
Last Updated : 22 July, 2025
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.