Nautical Mile Calculator
Quickly translate marine distances between nautical miles, statute miles, kilometers, and meters for flight planning, sailing, and navigation.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter the distance value
Type the distance you want to convert—whole numbers or decimals are accepted.
Choose the current unit
Select whether the value represents nautical miles, statute miles, kilometers, or meters.
Click calculate
Get instant conversions across all supported units for quick planning.
Apply the results
Use the conversions for navigation logs, flight plans, or cross-checking chart data.
Formula
1 Nautical Mile = 1.15078 Statute Miles = 1.852 Kilometers = 1852 Meters
To convert:
Nautical miles = Statute miles ÷ 1.15078
Nautical miles = Kilometers ÷ 1.852
Nautical miles = Meters ÷ 1852
Example: 120 nautical miles → 120 × 1.15078 = 138.0936 statute miles
→ 120 × 1.852 = 222.24 km, 120 × 1852 = 222,240 m
About the Nautical Mile Calculator
Nautical miles are based on the Earth’s latitude and are the standard in aviation and maritime navigation. This calculator helps bridge the gap between nautical and land-based distance units.
When to Use This Calculator
- Flight planning: Convert chart distances to statute miles for drive times or fuel planning.
- Sailing and boating: Translate navigation routes into familiar land units.
- Education: Teach the difference between nautical and statute miles in geography or navigation classes.
- Logbook accuracy: Keep consistent records regardless of the units provided.
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Precise constants: Uses internationally recognized conversion factors.
- ✅ Multi-unit outputs: Get four different units simultaneously for quick comparisons.
- ✅ Simple interface: Minimal inputs make it usable on the dock, pier, or tarmac.
- ✅ Mobile friendly: Optimized for phones and tablets when you’re in the field.
Common Applications
Pilots: Convert air distances to plan alternate airport drive times.
Mariners: Estimate fuel usage by comparing nautical miles and statute miles.
Triathletes: Translate open-water course distances into land-based equivalents.
Tips for Best Results
- Remember that nautical miles are tied to latitude; one NM equals 1 arcminute.
- Use statute miles for road travel and nautical miles for air or sea distances.
- When calculating speed, pair nautical miles with knots (nautical miles per hour).
- Keep a consistent unit across your navigation tools to avoid mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are nautical miles longer than statute miles?
Nautical miles are based on Earth’s circumference; one NM equals one arcminute of latitude. Because of this geodetic basis, they’re slightly longer than land miles.
What unit should I use for speed?
Use knots (nautical miles per hour) for navigation at sea or in the air. Convert to mph if you’re comparing to road travel or car trip times.
How accurate are these conversions?
Conversions use the exact international standards: 1 NM = 1.852 km = 1.15078 miles. Results are rounded for readability but maintain high precision.
Does altitude affect nautical miles?
No. Nautical miles measure distance on Earth’s surface and remain constant regardless of altitude.