Nautical Miles ↔ Kilometers Converter
Convert between nautical miles and kilometers instantly
🌊 Nautical Miles vs Kilometers
🌐 Nautical Miles (NM)
- Definition: 1 NM = 1,852 meters exactly
- Based on: 1 minute of latitude (1/60 of a degree)
- Primary use: Marine and aerial navigation
- Used by: Ships, aircraft, international aviation
- Symbol: NM, nmi, or M
📏 Kilometers (km)
- Definition: 1 km = 1,000 meters
- Based on: Metric system (SI unit)
- Primary use: Land distances worldwide
- Used by: Most countries except USA
- Symbol: km
Nautical Miles to Kilometers Formula
To convert nautical miles to kilometers, multiply nautical miles by 1.852.
Kilometers to Nautical Miles Formula
To convert kilometers to nautical miles, divide kilometers by 1.852.
Exact Conversion Factor
This is an international standard defined by the International Hydrographic Organization.
Common Navigation Uses
- Marine navigation
- Aviation flight planning
- Weather forecasting
- Search and rescue operations
🧭 How This Converter Works
This is a bidirectional converter designed for navigation professionals and enthusiasts:
- NM → km: When you type in nautical miles, kilometers updates automatically
- km → NM: When you type in kilometers, nautical miles updates automatically
- Real-time: Updates happen as you type, no button clicks required
- Accurate: Uses the exact conversion factor of 1.852
kilometers = nautical miles × 1.852
nautical miles = kilometers ÷ 1.852
// Example 1: 10 nautical miles to km
10 NM × 1.852 = 18.52 km
// Example 2: 50 kilometers to NM
50 km ÷ 1.852 = 27.00 NM
📊 Navigation Distance Conversion Table
| Nautical Miles | Kilometers | Statute Miles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 NM | 1.852 km | 1.151 mi |
| 5 NM | 9.26 km | 5.755 mi |
| 10 NM | 18.52 km | 11.51 mi |
| 50 NM | 92.6 km | 57.55 mi |
| 100 NM | 185.2 km | 115.1 mi |
| 500 NM | 926 km | 575.5 mi |
❓ Navigation Conversion FAQs
A: Nautical miles are based on the Earth's circumference (1 minute of latitude), while statute miles are based on land measurements. 1 NM = 1.151 statute miles.
A: Exactly 1.852 kilometers. This is an international standard defined in 1929.
A: Primarily in marine navigation, aviation, meteorology, and international law of the sea.
A: Yes! It uses the exact international standard conversion factor of 1.852.