This calculator provides conversion of nautical miles to miles (nmi to mi) and backwards miles to nautical miles (mi to nmi).
What is a nautical mile?
A nautical mile is a unit of distance used primarily in aviation and maritime navigation, defined as exactly 1,852 meters (approximately 6,076.115 feet). It is based on the Earth’s geometry, equal to one minute of latitude (1/60th of a degree), making it ideal for charting distances over the globe.
Key Points:
- Symbol: Standardized as “M” by the International Hydrographic Organization, with “nm” or “nmi” used in some contexts.
- Usage: Essential for air and sea navigation due to its tie to Earth’s latitude grid.
- Conversion: 1 nautical mile ≈ 1.150779448 statute miles.
- History: Standardized internationally in 1929, rooted in the need for consistent navigation measurements.
How many Miles are in one Nautical Mile?
One nautical mile is approximately 1.15 land miles. For greater precision, 1 nautical mile equals about 1.150779448 miles. The standard symbols are “mi” for miles and “M” for nautical miles, though “m” is used for miles in some countries, potentially causing confusion with meters. “nm” and “nmi” are also used for nautical miles in professional contexts. The abbreviation “M” is used for nautical miles by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and is recognized internationally in maritime and aviation contexts.
Difference between Nautical Miles and Miles
Historically, the nautical mile was defined as one minute of latitude, or one-sixtieth of a degree, tied to Earth’s geometry. In contrast, the land mile varied across time and regions, often based on natural or human-related measures. Today, both are part of the imperial system, used officially in a few countries and specific industries, though they are increasingly replaced in fields like science and engineering.
The key differences lie in their length and applications. A land mile, shorter at 5,280 feet (1,609.344 meters), is used for terrestrial distances. A nautical mile, longer at 1,852 meters (approximately 6,076.115 feet), is employed in marine and air navigation for its alignment with Earth’s latitude grid.
Statute Mile: A land-based unit of distance equal to 5,280 feet or exactly 1,609.344 meters.
Nautical Mile: A unit used primarily in aviation and maritime contexts, defined as exactly 1,852 meters (approximately 6,076.115 feet). It is based on the circumference of the Earth, equivalent to one minute of latitude (1/60th of a degree).
How to convert Nautical Miles to Miles?
To convert from nautical miles to miles, multiply the measurement in nm by 1.150779448 to get the corresponding measurement in miles. Usually using a calculator or an online converter such as this one would be convenient due to the fraction part, especially if accuracy is of the essence.
Miles to Nautical Miles Conversion Formula:
Let’s take a closer look at the conversion formula so that you can do these conversions yourself with a calculator or with an old-fashioned pencil and paper.
The formula to convert from nautical miles to miles is- miles = nautical miles x 1.15078
Nautical Mile to Mile Conversion Example
Task: Convert 5 nautical miles to miles
Formula:
nautical miles x 1.15078 = miles
Calculations:
5 nautical miles x 1.15078 = 5.7538972 miles
Result:
5 nautical miles is equal to 5.7538972 miles
Nautical Miles (nmi) to Land Miles (mi) Conversion Table
| Nautical Miles (nmi) | Statute Miles (mi) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.15 |
| 2 | 2.30 |
| 3 | 3.45 |
| 4 | 4.60 |
| 5 | 5.75 |
| 6 | 6.90 |
| 7 | 8.06 |
| 8 | 9.21 |
| 9 | 10.36 |
| 10 | 11.51 |
| 20 | 23.02 |
| 30 | 34.52 |
| 40 | 46.03 |
| 50 | 57.54 |
| 60 | 69.05 |
| 70 | 80.55 |
| 80 | 92.06 |
| 90 | 103.57 |
| 100 | 115.08 |
| 200 | 230.16 |
| 300 | 345.23 |
| 400 | 460.31 |
| 500 | 575.39 |
| 600 | 690.47 |
| 700 | 805.55 |
| 800 | 920.62 |
| 900 | 1,035.70 |
| 1,000 | 1,150.78 |