Nautical Miles to Kilometers (nm to km) Conversion

Miles is a term commonly heard, making the concept of nautical miles seem unfamiliar. However, nautical miles serve as a unit of measurement in various fields. It’s a non-SI unit of length initially defined as the arc length of a meridian, equivalent to one minute (1/60) of latitude. Today, it’s crucial in air, marine, and space navigation systems. Conversely, kilometres represent a widely used measurement system. Let’s delve into each separately.

Before understanding the conversion between the two, it is important to note that while kilometres are denoted as km, Nautical Miles doesn’t have an official term. Although, it might seem that how can kilometres and nautical miles be related, you’d be shocked to know that these two are inter-related. Listed below is the relationship between the two:

1 Nautical Mile = 1.852 Kilometers 

1 Kilometer = 0.539958 Nautical Miles

What is a Nautical Mile?

Nautical miles are a measuring unit used around the globe in marine, air-based navigation, and space exploration. Nautical miles are often used to describe territorial seas adjacent to borders. Traditionally, nautical miles were defined as 1/60 or a timer of latitudinal and longitudinal paths. Today, a nautical mile is defined as 6076 feet (1852 metres) globally. 

As per current standards, 1.151 miles also equal a nautical mile. The word mile comes from the Latin term “mille passus,” which is equivalent to one nautical mile per hour. Previously, until the year 1500, routing at sea was enclosed by the eye, after which numerous navigational devices were purposefully brought into the foray. 

Current Use of Nautical Mile

The Nautical mile is primarily used in shipping industries; navigation. In addition, it is also used for other purposes like space and air navigation. 

History of Nautical Mile

Kilograms gained prominence due to their ability to represent decimal values, a need that arose during the French Revolution when a significant portion of society demanded a metric system accommodating decimals. Consequently, the kilogram (kg) emerged as a widely recognized unit of measurement worldwide. In contrast, nautical miles didn’t become a standardized unit of measurement until the 19th century. Today, both nautical miles and kilograms serve as globally accepted measurement standards.

What is a Kilometer?

A kilometre refers to a unit of length and is mostly used in metric measurements. A kilometre is equivalent  to 1000 metres. Moreover, on the premise that a kilo is based on Si prefix for 1000, this unit also represents the distance between two geographically ends or sites on the land surface. On the other hand, the United States and the United Kingdom use the statute mile to measure device distance.

Current Use of Kilometer

The current use of a Kilometer is to compute the distance between two different geographically points or positions on the field globally except in the United Kingdom and the United States. 

History of Kilometer

In a law passed on May 8, 1790, the French National Constituent Assembly directed the French Academy of Sciences to introduce a new measuring system. They proclaimed the metre to be used as a measuring system for land in the French Republic in August 1793. This global unit is one-millionth of the length between the planetary poles, North and South. 

The kilometre was first called a ‘Millaire.’ In 1799, the metre was stated explicitly as the myriametre (10000 metres). Furthermore, the ‘kilometre’ is recommended for everyday use. On the other hand, in 1817, the Dutch accepted the kilometre but called it the mijl. However, in 1867, the term ‘kilometre’ became the only standard unit of measurement in the Netherlands, representing 1000 metres.

Relationship Between Nautical Miles and Kilometer

The nautical mile and km relationship is simple to grasp. On the other hand, it is essential to comprehend their relationship to help Nautical Miles to Km conversions. According to  standard international calculation, the relationship between them is that a nautical mile equals 1.852 km. In addition, a Km is equal to 0.539957 nautical miles.

The Formula for Convert Nautical Miles to Kilometer

To convert  Nautical miles to Km, you can use the below-mentioned formula: 

Number of Nautical Miles * 1.852  = Km

To understand better, let’s learn by examples:

Example 1:

• Nautical Miles: 7
• Calculation: 7 nautical miles * 1.852 kilometres per nautical mile
• Result: 7 nautical miles = 12.944 kilometers

Example 2:

• Nautical Miles: 15
• Calculation: 15 nautical miles * 1.852 kilometres per nautical mile
• Result: 15 nautical miles = 27.78 kilometers

Example 3:

• Nautical Miles: 22
• Calculation: 22 nautical miles * 1.852 kilometres per nautical mile
• Result: 22 nautical miles = 40.744 kilometres

Example 4:

• Nautical Miles: 30
• Calculation: 30 nautical miles * 1.852 kilometres per nautical mile
• Result: 30 nautical miles = 55.56 kilometers

Example 5:

• Nautical Miles: 45
• Calculation: 45 nautical miles * 1.852 kilometres per nautical mile
• Result: 45 nautical miles = 83.34 kilometers

This implies that you have to multiply the value in Nautical Miles by 1.852 to get the result in kilometres. Similarly, you’ll have to divide the value by 1.852 to get the result in Nautical Miles.   

Don’t miss It

Nautical Miles to Kilometer Conversion Table

What is the Difference Between Nautical Mile and Kilometer?

The below table represents the difference between Nautical miles and Kilometer and also assists  you in understanding the conversion method. 

FAQ’s about Nautical Miles to Kilometers