Speed Converter

About Speed

Speed is a scalar quantity that defines the rate at which a body moves, usually quantified in terms of distance traveled per unit time.

• m/s – SI unit of speed, used in physics and engineering.
• km/h, cm/s – Metric units commonly used in the transport and lab setting.
• mph, ft/s, in/s – Imperial/US customary units used for road speeds and engineering.
• kn – Measurement unit of nautical use in aviation and maritime navigation (1 kn = 1 nautical mile/hour).

Specific Speed Units

Speed is a fundamental physical quantity that explains the quickness of an object in traveling a distance. It is commonly referred to as a measure of distance traveled relative to the time taken. Specific speed units are widely used in many fields like physics, engineering, transport, meteorology, and sports science. Depending on the region and nature of application, several units are used to convey speed.

Common Speed Units

• Meter per second (m/s): The SI unit of speed, commonly used in scientific and technical contexts. It expresses the distance traveled in meters per second.
• Kilometer per hour (km/h): Frequently used in transportation, especially for road vehicle speeds, and is convenient for everyday use in metric system countries.
• Centimeter per second (cm/s): Suitable for high-precision or small-scale measurements, particularly in scientific research or low-velocity mechanical systems.
• Mile per hour (mph): An imperial unit widely used in the United States and United Kingdom to measure vehicle and wind speeds.
• Foot per second (ft/s): Common in physics and engineering, especially in the U.S., where the imperial system prevails.
• Inch per second (in/s): Used in technical fields such as manufacturing and materials testing for measuring small-scale motion.
• Knot (kn): Primarily used in maritime and aviation applications, with one knot equal to one nautical mile per hour.

Correct understanding and application of these speed units are essential for clear communication, precise measurement, and safety in both professional and everyday contexts. Each unit serves specific roles depending on the measurement scenario.