Convert Mach to knots, mph, km/h, or m/s, or find Mach from speed using ISA sea level, altitude, or custom temperature conditions.

Mach to Kts Conversion Calculator

Enter exactly 1 value to calculate the other

Atmospheric Conditions

Assumes dry air. Speed of sound varies with temperature.


Related Calculators

Mach to Kts Formula

The following formula converts a Mach number M to knots at temperature T (Kelvin) using the ideal-gas speed of sound.

\mathrm{kt} = M \cdot \sqrt{\gamma R T}\, /\, 0.514444
  • γ (dry air) = 1.4
  • R (dry air) = 287.052874 J/(kg·K)
  • 1 kt = 0.514444 m/s
  • ISA sea level: T = 288.15 K → a ≈ 340.294 m/s ≈ 661.479 kt

Mach to Kts Conversion Table

Mach to Knots (ISA Sea Level, 15°C)
Mach Knots (kt)
0.166.148
0.2132.296
0.3198.444
0.4264.592
0.5330.739
0.6396.887
0.7463.035
0.8529.183
0.9595.331
1.0661.479
1.1727.627
1.2793.775
1.3859.922
1.4926.070
1.5992.218
1.61058.366
1.71124.514
1.81190.662
1.91256.810
2.01322.958
* Values assume ISA sea level (T = 288.15 K), where a ≈ 661.479 kt.

How do you convert Mach to knots? Choose a temperature model (e.g., ISA sea level), compute the speed of sound a = √(γRT), then kt = Mach × a (m/s) ÷ 0.514444.

How do you convert knots to Mach? Convert knots to m/s (×0.514444), then Mach = [speed (m/s)] ÷ a where a = √(γRT) at the chosen temperature.

Example Problem

Convert Mach 0.85 to knots at ISA sea level.

Use a ≈ 661.479 kt at T = 288.15 K, then kt = 0.85 × 661.479.

kt ≈ 562.257 kt