Convert nautical mile (international) to kilometer Online | Free Length Converter

Nautical Mile (International)

A nautical mile (international) is a unit of measurement used primarily in maritime and aviation contexts. It is defined as 1,852 meters or 1.852 kilometers, which is approximately 1.1508 statute miles. The nautical mile is based on the Earth's geometry, representing one minute of latitude along any meridian. This makes it particularly useful for navigation, as distances on charts and GPS systems often relate directly to degrees of latitude and longitude. The international nautical mile was officially adopted by the United States in 1954 and is now used worldwide for consistency in global navigation. It is closely linked with the knot, a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. The standardization of the nautical mile has greatly simplified communication and coordination in international travel, trade, and defense across oceans and airspace. Its use continues to be essential in global navigation systems today.

Kilometer

A kilometer (km) is a unit of length in the metric system, used to measure long distances. One kilometer equals 1,000 meters or about 0.62 miles. Kilometers are commonly used to measure distances between cities, in road signs, and in running or walking events. For example, a marathon is 42.195 kilometers long. The symbol for kilometer is "km". Most countries around the world use kilometers instead of miles for speed and distance, especially in transportation. Because it covers a large distance, the kilometer is not used for measuring small objects but is perfect for travel and mapping.