1 knot
0.5144 m/sSpeed · definition
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Speed
Just how fast is 1 knot?
Slow motion
1 kn
DISTANCE IN ONE SECOND
1 knot
The quantity is exact as entered.
0.5144 m/sSpeed
0
51.44 cm in 1 s
Venetian gondola
A Venetian gondola is a traditional, flat-bottomed rowing boat used for transport on the canals of Venice.
1.5 m/sDefined cruising speed
0
1.5 m in 1 s
Each track shows distance covered in the same second. The small illustrations identify the movers; their sizes are schematic.
A little perspective
The cruising speed of a Venetian gondola is about 2.92 times 1 knot.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
1 knot
Speed: 0.5144 m/s; definition.
The quantity is exact as entered. Comparisons use the clearly stated specimen, model or nominal measurement.
Venetian gondola
Defined cruising speed: 1.5 m/s; representative; range 1 m/s–2 m/s.
A traditional Venetian gondola approximately 10.85 m long and 600 kg unladen, shown at a defined 1.5 m/s cruising pace. Handmade boats vary slightly; hull length excludes the removable ferro and raised oar.
Encyclopaedia Britannica — Gondola
The marked defined cruising speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Measurement details
Why these numbers?
Compare 1 knot with the cruising speed of a Venetian gondola. The notes below explain how each value was chosen.
Venetian gondola
1.5 m/sDefined cruising speed · representative · range 1 m/s–2 m/s
A traditional Venetian gondola approximately 10.85 m long and 600 kg unladen, shown at a defined 1.5 m/s cruising pace. Handmade boats vary slightly; hull length excludes the removable ferro and raised oar.
- Comparing
- Speed ↔ Defined cruising speed
- Relative size
- The cruising speed of a Venetian gondola is about 2.92 times 1 knot. The cruising speed of a Venetian gondola is approximately 192% greater than 1 knot.
How to read the visual
The diagram uses the recorded measurements. Details outside the marked spans do not set the scale.
- We use 1.5 m/s for the cruising speed of a Venetian gondola; the recorded range is 1 m/s–2 m/s.
- The cruising speed of a Venetian gondola: This is a representative comparison value; individual specimens or conditions can vary.
Speed is distance per unit time; it does not specify the total distance travelled.
0.51444 m/smetres per second
1.852 km/hkilometres per hour
1.1508 mphmiles per hour
Mach 0.0014998Mach
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