Convert 317 km to nm

Converting kilometers (km) to nautical miles (nm) is essential for various applications, particularly in navigation and aviation. This guide will help you understand the definitions of kilometers and nautical miles, as well as how to perform the conversion for 317 km.

km Definition

A kilometer (km) is a metric unit of length equal to 1,000 meters. It is widely used in most countries around the world for measuring distances on land, such as road lengths and geographical measurements.

nm Definition

A nautical mile (nm) is a unit of measurement used in maritime and air navigation. It is based on the circumference of the Earth and is defined as one minute of latitude. One nautical mile is equivalent to approximately 1.852 kilometers.

How to Convert 317 km to nm

To convert kilometers to nautical miles, you can use the following formula:

nautical miles = kilometers / 1.852

For 317 km, the calculation would be:

317 km / 1.852 ≈ 171.6 nm

Therefore, 317 kilometers is approximately 171.6 nautical miles.

FAQs

What is the difference between kilometers and nautical miles?

Kilometers are used for land distances, while nautical miles are used for navigation over bodies of water and in aviation. Nautical miles take into account the curvature of the Earth.

Why is the nautical mile important in navigation?

The nautical mile is crucial in navigation because it aligns with the Earth is latitude and longitude system, making it easier for navigators to calculate distances on charts.

How many kilometers are in one nautical mile?

One nautical mile is approximately equal to 1.852 kilometers.