102 LearnersLast updated on June 9th, 2025
Conversion of km/h to m/s
In our daily lives, we measure how fast an object, person, or animal moves. A kilometer per hour (km/h) measures the distance traveled in an hour. A meter per second (m/s) measures the distance covered in meters in a single second. In this topic, we will look into kilometers and meters per second in detail.
What is a Kilometer?
Speed is a fundamental concept around the globe and calculating how quickly an object travels is fascinating. Kilometer per hour (km/h) refers to a metric unit of measurement used to determine the distance. 1 km equals 1000 meters.
The abbreviation for kilometers is 'km' which is the unit of the International System of Units (SI). We use the concepts of kilometers and meters to calculate the speed of a vehicle, the length of a river, and the distance between two cities.
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What is a Meter?
It is another standard unit of length to measure the distance, dimensions, and height. Meter (m) is also a unit in the International System of Units(SI).
A meter per second (m/s) measures the distance covered by an object in one second. If we want to calculate the dimensions of a building, equipment, or any structure we use a meter which gives precise measurements.
Kilometer per hour to Meter per second Formula
As we know, 1 kilometer is equal to 1,000 meters. To convert kilometers per hour (km/p) to meters per second (m/s) we can apply a formula:
m/s = km/h × 5∕18
1 km = 1000 m
1 hour = 3600 seconds.
1 km/h = 1000/3600 m/s
1000/3600 can be simplified to 5/18. Therefore,
1000/3600 = 5/18 m/s
This is a simple formula to convert km/h to m/s.
How to Convert km/h to m/s
The conversion of km/h to m/s helps us to achieve accurate measurements by maintaining consistency in calculations and analyses. Converting km/h to m/s using the above formula is an easier way for the conversion. For that, we have adhered to some steps. They are:
Step 1: Find the value of speed.
Step 2: Multiply the value of speed by 5/18.
Step 3: Apply the formula.
m/s = km/h × 5∕18
Next, let us apply these steps in an example for our better understanding.
The speed of a car is 72 km/h. Now we have to convert the speed of the vehicle to meters per second.
Step 1: The value of speed is 72 km/h.
Step 2: km/h × 5/18
Step 3: 72 km/h × 5/18 = 20 m/s
Now, we know the answer. When we convert 72 km/h to m/s, it equals 20 m/s.
km/h to m/s Conversion Chart
A conversion chart of km/h to m/s helps us to quickly understand the main concepts of kilometers and meters. It gives a quick overview of the topic, where conversions are vital.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them in km/h to m/s Conversion
Sometimes, mistakes are made when converting km/h to m/s. Then it leads to wrong results. To avoid these mistakes and errors, we have to be vigilant about these. Here, are some common mistakes and how to solve them while converting km/h to m/s are given below:
Mistake 1
Forgetting to apply the conversion factor
Careful about multiplying the conversion factor, 5/18 while converting km/h to m/s. By using 5/18, we will get accurate measurements. Forgetting to apply the factor results in wrong calculations. The formula for converting km/h to m/s is: m/s = km/h × 5/18
For example, when we convert 55 km/h to m/s, we will get 15.28 m/s. If we skip multiplying the conversion factor, the answer will be wrong.
Mistake 2
Incorrect use of the formula
Be mindful of using the proper formula. Kids may mistakenly interpret m/s = km/h × 5/18 as m/s = km/h × 18/5. Also, in this formula, we are multiplying 5/18, not dividing it by the value of speed. If we misinterpret the equation, it will lead to errors.
Mistake 3
Avoiding key figures in the calculation
Double-check the factors in the calculations are correct. Sometimes, students forget to check the figures are completed.
The correct form is:
72km/h × 5/18 = 20 m/s
72km/h × 5/18 = 20 m is incorrect.
Mistake 4
Ignoring the simplification of the conversion factor
To make the calculations much more accurate and faster use the simplified conversion factor, 5/18. Otherwise, the calculations will be confusing and result in errors.
For example, 108 km/h × 1000/3600. If we continue the calculations, without simplifying the 1000/3600, it becomes more difficult to solve. It should be simplified as 1000/3600 = 5/18. So, we can use it on the formula:
108 km/h × 5/18 = 30 m/s.
Mistake 5
Ignoring the conversion of m/s to km/h
Always verify the calculations and equations. If we need to convert m/s to km/h we have to apply a simple change in the formula. The formula for m/s to km/h is:
km/h = m/s × 18/5
For example, if meters per second(m/s) is 25 m/s, the km/h is:
25 m/s × 18/5 = 90 km/h.
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Km/h to m/s Conversion Examples
Problem 1
Calculate 90 km/h to m/s.
By applying the formula:
m/s = km/h × 5/18
m/s = 90 km/h × 5/18
m/s = 450 / 18 = 25 m/s
Explanation
The value we get while converting 90 km/h to m/s is 25 m/s.
90 km/h is equivalent to 25 m/s.
Problem 2
A racing car runs at a constant speed of 18 km/h during a race. The car company needs to convert the car’s speed to meters per second for documentation. What is the speed of the car in m/s?
We can use the formula for km/h to m/s:
m/s = km/h × 5/18
Speed in m/s = 18 km/h × 5/18 = 5 m/s
Explanation
The speed of the car is 5 m/s.
So, the car runs at 5 meters per second.
18 km/h is equal to 5 m/s.
Problem 3
Virat aims to maintain a speed of 36 km/h during his running practice session. He wants to convert his km/h to m/s to calculate his average speed over shorter intervals. Find the meters per second.
By using the standard formula:
m/s = km/h × 5/18
The given km/h is 36 km/h.
m/s = 36 × 5/18 = 10 m/s
Explanation
The average speed of Virat is 10 m/s during his running practice sessions.
10 m/s is equivalent to 36 km/h.
Problem 4
Find the value of 15 m/s in km/h.
km/h = m/s × 18/5
15 is the given meter per second. Now, we can substitute the value:
km/h = 15 × 18/5
Let us calculate:
We get 270 when we multiply 15 by 18. Next, divide 270 by 5.
270/ 5 = 54
Explanation
54 km/h is the value we get when we convert 15 m/s to km/h.
15 m/s is equal to 54 km/h.
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FAQs on km/h to m/s
1.What is km/h?
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4. What is the formula for converting m/s to km/h?
5.. Convert 45 m/s to km/h?
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Important Glossaries for kilometers per hour to meters per second
- Kilometer: It is a metric unit to calculate the distance covered by an object within an hour. The symbol of kilometers is ‘km’. 1 km is equal to 1000 meters.
- Meter: It is used to measure the distance traveled in a single second. 1 m/s is equal to 3.6 km/h.
- Conversion factor: When converting km/h to m/s or vice versa we use conversion factor. The ratio is 5/18 is used when converting the values related to distance.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana
About the Author
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
Fun Fact
: She loves to read number jokes and games.
