Meters per Second to Kilometers per Hour Converter

Convert speed measurements between meters per second (m/s) and kilometers per hour (km/h). Essential for physics, engineering, sports, and weather calculations.

Speed Value

Use dot or comma for decimals

From Unit

To Unit

Conversion Result

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1 m/s = 3.6 km/h (exact)

Decimal Places

0 2 8

Common Conversions

m/s	km/h

About Meters per Second and Kilometers per Hour

Meters per second (m/s) and kilometers per hour (km/h) are both units used to measure speed. Meters per second is the SI unit for speed, commonly used in scientific contexts, while kilometers per hour is more commonly used in everyday contexts like vehicle speeds and weather reports.

Conversion Formula

The conversion between these units is straightforward:

km/h = m/s × 3.6
m/s = km/h ÷ 3.6

Practical Examples

A walking speed of 1.4 m/s equals 5 km/h
Vehicle speed of 100 km/h equals approximately 27.78 m/s
Wind speed of 20 m/s equals 72 km/h (considered a strong gale)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the conversion factor exactly 3.6?

There are 1000 meters in a kilometer and 3600 seconds in an hour (60 seconds × 60 minutes). Thus, 1 m/s = (1/1000) km / (1/3600) h = 3600/1000 = 3.6 km/h.

Which unit is more precise for scientific work?

Meters per second is typically preferred in scientific contexts as it is the SI base unit for velocity, providing more intuitive relationships with other SI units.

How do I convert km/h to m/s in my head?

Divide by 3.6, or approximately divide by 4 and add 10%. For example, 72 km/h ÷ 4 = 18, 10% of 72 is 7.2, so 18 + 7.2 = 25.2 m/s (actual: 20 m/s).

Disclaimer

For informational and educational purposes only. Not professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, rounding errors may occur. Always verify critical measurements with authoritative sources.

References

International System of Units (SI) - Bureau International des Poids et Mesures

NIST Special Publication 330 - The International System of Units (SI)

ISO 80000-3:2006 - Quantities and units - Part 3: Space and time

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Meters per Second to Kilometers per Hour Converter

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