A kilometer (km) is a unit of distance in the metric system, commonly used for measuring land distances. A nautical mile (nmi), on the other hand, is a unit of measurement used in marine and air navigation. It is based on the Earth’s circumference and is widely used by sailors and pilots. For quick conversions between terrestrial and maritime units, try our handy Length Converter and get instant results!
The key difference is that 1 nautical mile corresponds to one minute of latitude on the Earth's surface, making it a crucial unit for navigation.
.jpg)
To convert kilometers to nautical miles, use the following formula:
nautical miles = kilometers ÷ 1.852
Example Conversions:
10 km = 10 ÷ 1.852 = 5.4 nmi
50 km = 50 ÷ 1.852 = 27 nmi
100 km = 100 ÷ 1.852 = 54 nmi
The distance between New York and London is 5,570 km, which is about 3,007 nautical miles.
A marathon (42.195 km) is approximately 22.8 nautical miles.
The Earth’s equatorial circumference is about 40,075 km, or 21,639 nautical miles.
One of the most famous journeys in nautical history is the first circumnavigation of the Earth, led by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. In 1519, Magellan set sail with a fleet of five ships to find a western route to the Spice Islands (now Indonesia).
.jpg)
Over the course of three years, the expedition traveled approximately 69,000 km (37,248 nautical miles) across treacherous seas. They endured storms, mutiny, and uncharted waters, ultimately proving that the Earth was round and that the Pacific Ocean was far larger than previously thought.
Although Magellan himself did not survive the journey, his fleet’s historic circumnavigation of the globe in 1522 remains one of the greatest achievements in exploration history.
Converting km to nmi is simple—just divide the distance by 1.852. Whether you’re plotting an ocean passage, planning an air route, or studying historic voyages, understanding this conversion is essential. Ready to master any distance conversion? Check out our Conversion tool and navigate with confidence today!
Next time you hear about an incredible voyage, you’ll know exactly how many nautical miles were traveled!
