When it comes to measuring speed, different countries use different units. In the United States, the customary unit is miles per hour (mph), while many other countries around the world use kilometers per hour (km/h). As a result, it’s not uncommon to need to convert between these two units.
The Relationship Between km/h and mph
The conversion between km/h and mph is relatively straightforward. One kilometer is approximately 0.6214 miles, and one hour is exactly the same in both units. This means that:
1 km/h = 0.6214 mph
1 mph = 1.6093 km/h
Example Conversions
To convert from km/h to mph, simply multiply the speed in km/h by 0.6214. For example, 60 km/h is equal to:
60 km/h x 0.6214 = 37.28 mph
To convert from mph to km/h, simply multiply the speed in mph by 1.6093. For example, 50 mph is equal to:
50 mph x 1.6093 = 80.47 km/h
When to Use km/h and mph
The decision of which unit to use depends on the context. In the United States, mph is the more common unit for measuring speed, while km/h is used in most other countries. However, there are some instances where it may be more convenient to use one unit over the other.
For example:
- When traveling internationally, it’s helpful to know the speed limits in both km/h and mph.
- When comparing speeds of vehicles from different countries, it’s easier to use a common unit of measurement like km/h.
- When using GPS devices or other navigation systems, it’s important to set the units to match the speed limits in the area where you’re driving.
Converting km/h to mph: A Step-by-Step Guide
Converting km/h to mph is a simple process that can be done in a few steps:
- Multiply the speed in km/h by 0.6214.
- Round the result to the nearest hundredth.
- Add “mph” to the end of the result.
For example, to convert 60 km/h to mph:
- Multiply 60 by 0.6214: 60 x 0.6214 = 37.284
- Round the result to the nearest hundredth: 37.28
- Add “mph”: 37.28 mph
Therefore, 60 km/h is equal to 37.28 mph.