Kilometer per Hour to Meter per Second Converter
Quickly and accurately convert speed measurements from kilometers per hour to meters per second with our free online km/h to m/s Converter. Perfect for science, engineering, sports, and more.
Common Conversions
| Kilometers per Hour (km/h) | Meters per Second (m/s) |
|---|---|
| 1 km/h | 0.277778 m/s |
| 5 km/h | 1.388889 m/s |
| 10 km/h | 2.777778 m/s |
| 20 km/h | 5.555556 m/s |
| 30 km/h | 8.333333 m/s |
| 50 km/h | 13.888889 m/s |
| 60 km/h | 16.666667 m/s |
| 100 km/h | 27.777778 m/s |
| 120 km/h | 33.333333 m/s |
How It Works
Converting from kilometers per hour (km/h) to meters per second (m/s) is a common speed conversion, especially in scientific, engineering, and sports contexts. Both units are in the metric system but are used in different applications.
Conversion Formula:
1 kilometer per hour = 0.277778 meters per second
To convert kilometers per hour to meters per second, multiply the kilometers per hour value by 0.277778 (or divide by 3.6):
Meters per Second = Kilometers per Hour × 0.277778
Meters per Second = Kilometers per Hour ÷ 3.6
Why is the factor 0.277778?
The conversion factor 0.277778 comes from:
- 1 km = 1000 meters
- 1 hour = 3600 seconds
So, 1 km/h = 1000 / 3600 = 0.277778 m/s
Example Calculation:
To convert 100 kilometers per hour to meters per second:
Meters per Second = 100 km/h × 0.277778 = 27.7778 m/s
Our converter handles this calculation automatically and provides results with up to 9 decimal places for precision. It also formats the result to remove unnecessary trailing zeros for better readability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a kilometer per hour?
A kilometer per hour (km/h or kph) is a unit of speed in the metric system, representing the number of kilometers traveled in one hour. It’s the standard unit of speed in most countries around the world, used for vehicle speed limits, weather reports (wind speed), and sports.
What is a meter per second?
A meter per second (m/s) is the SI (International System of Units) unit of speed, representing the distance in meters traveled in one second. It’s commonly used in scientific contexts, physics calculations, and for measuring wind speeds in meteorology.
Why would I need to convert kilometers per hour to meters per second?
This conversion is commonly needed in scientific and engineering calculations where the SI unit (m/s) is required. For example, if you have a car’s speed in km/h but need to use it in physics equations that require m/s, or if you’re working on a project that requires standardized SI units.
How accurate is this converter?
Our converter uses the exact conversion factor of 0.277778 meters per second per kilometer per hour, which is mathematically precise. The calculator can display results with up to 9 decimal places for high precision needs, though most practical applications don’t require this level of precision.
What are some common speed benchmarks in both km/h and m/s?
- Average walking speed: 5 km/h (1.4 m/s)
- Average running speed: 8-12 km/h (2.2-3.3 m/s)
- Typical cycling speed: 20-30 km/h (5.5-8.3 m/s)
- Highway speed limit in many countries: 100 km/h (27.8 m/s)
- Speed of sound in air at sea level: 1,235 km/h (343 m/s)
How do I convert meters per second back to kilometers per hour?
To convert from meters per second to kilometers per hour, multiply the meters per second value by 3.6. Alternatively, you can use our Meter per Second to Kilometer per Hour Converter for quick and accurate conversions.