Convert knots to feet per second

1 kn=1.68781ft/s

Use the converter below to change any knots value into feet per second instantly — with formula, conversion table, and real-world examples.

You have

Equals

1.68781

Conversion formula

Forward

feet per second = knots × 1.68781

Reverse

knots = feet per second × 0.5925

Example: 10 kn × 1.68781 = 16.8781 ft/s.

About both units

From

Knot

The knot equals one nautical mile per hour — 1.852 km/h. It is the international standard in marine navigation and aviation. Commercial airliners cruise at 450–500 knots. Sailboats in light breeze: 2–6 knots.

Real-world: Airbus A380 cruise: ~490 knots. Cruise ship: 20 knots. Sailing yacht: 6 knots typical.

Read full knot reference →

Foot per Second

ft/s

Feet per second (ft/s) is used in some US engineering, ballistics (bullet velocity) and older US physics textbooks. Typical handgun muzzle velocity: 1000–1400 ft/s. Rifle muzzle velocity: 2500–3500 ft/s.

Real-world: 9mm bullet muzzle velocity: ~1150 ft/s. .308 rifle: ~2700 ft/s. Free fall terminal velocity: ~195 ft/s.

Read full foot per second reference →

Knot to Foot per Second conversion table

Common knots to feet per second values for quick reference.

Knot (kn)	Foot per Second (ft/s)
1 kn	1.68781 ft/s
5 kn	8.43905 ft/s
10 kn	16.8781 ft/s
25 kn	42.1952 ft/s
50 kn	84.3905 ft/s
100 kn	168.781 ft/s
150 kn	253.171 ft/s
200 kn	337.562 ft/s
300 kn	506.343 ft/s
500 kn	843.905 ft/s

Tips & common mistakes

Quick tips

1 knot = 1.852 km/h = 1.151 mph.
Knots cannot be abbreviated "kt" in sailing — standard is "kn".
A 40-knot wind is storm-force — 74 km/h.

Avoid these

Reading 40 knots as 40 km/h in weather — 74 km/h is much stronger.
Using "knots per hour" — already a rate; it's just "knots".
Treating knot as a distance unit — it's always a speed.

Frequently asked questions

How many feet per second in a knot?

One knot equals 1.68781 feet per second.

How do I convert knots to feet per second?

Multiply the knot value by 1.68781 to get the equivalent in feet per second.

What is 100 knots in feet per second?

100 knots equals 168.781 feet per second.

Is a knot bigger than a foot per second?

Yes. 1 knot equals 1.68781 feet per second, so one knot is larger.

How to convert knots to feet per second without a calculator?

Multiply by 1.69 for a quick estimate; use a calculator for precise results.

Related speed conversions

📊 See full comparison matrix →

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