Nautical Mile Calculator
Convert distances between nautical miles and other units
A nautical mile (NM) is a unit of measurement used primarily in marine navigation and aviation. Key points about nautical miles:
- One nautical mile equals exactly 1.852 kilometers
- It's based on the circumference of the Earth
- One nautical mile equals one minute of arc of latitude
- Used universally for maritime and aerial navigation
- Helps in calculating speed (knots = nautical miles per hour)
Follow these steps to convert distances:
- Enter the distance value you want to convert
- Select the unit you're converting from (NM, miles, km, or meters)
- Click "Convert" to see the equivalent distances in all units
- Results show conversions to nautical miles, statute miles, kilometers, and meters
Quick reference for common nautical mile conversions:
- 1 Nautical Mile = 1.15078 Statute Miles
- 1 Nautical Mile = 1.852 Kilometers
- 1 Nautical Mile = 1,852 Meters
- 1 Statute Mile = 0.868976 Nautical Miles
- 1 Kilometer = 0.539957 Nautical Miles
- 1000 Meters = 0.539957 Nautical Miles
Why use nautical miles instead of regular miles?
Nautical miles are used in maritime and aviation because they're directly related to the Earth's coordinates, making navigation easier. One nautical mile equals one minute of arc of latitude.
What is a knot?
A knot is a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. It's commonly used in maritime navigation and aviation to measure vessel or aircraft speed.
Are nautical miles the same worldwide?
Yes, the international nautical mile is standardized at exactly 1,852 meters worldwide, making it a reliable unit for international navigation.