Convert 118 km to nm

Converting kilometers to nautical miles is essential for navigation and maritime activities. In this post, we will explore the definitions of kilometers and nautical miles, provide a straightforward conversion method, and answer some frequently asked questions about the topic.

km Definition

A kilometer (km) is a unit of length in the metric system, equal to 1,000 meters. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as measuring distances on land, in transportation, and in scientific applications.

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 equal to one minute of latitude, approximately 1.15078 miles or 1,852 meters.

How to Convert 118 km to nm

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

nm = km ÷ 1.852

For example, to convert 118 km to nautical miles:

nm = 118 km ÷ 1.852 = 63.7 nm (approximately)

FAQs

What is the difference between km and nm?

The primary difference is that kilometers are used on land for general distance measurement, while nautical miles are specifically used for maritime and aerial navigation.

Why do we use nautical miles in navigation?

Nautical miles are used because they correspond to the Earth is curvature, making it easier to calculate distances on maps and charts that represent the spherical shape of the Earth.

Can I convert other distances from km to nm?

Yes, you can use the same formula (nm = km ÷ 1.852) to convert any distance from kilometers to nautical miles.