Nautical mile is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.
The nautical mile was originally one minute of arc of latitude, which made it convenient for navigation with charts. The International Hydrographic Conference fixed it at exactly 1,852 meters in 1929.
Measurement system: Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage. SI equivalent: 1 nmi = 1,852 m.
Nautical mile facts
- Unit name
- Nautical mile
- Symbol
- nmi
- Category
- Length
- Measurement system
- Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage
- SI equivalent
- 1 nmi = 1,852 m
- Common uses
- Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement
Definition of the nautical mile
Nautical mile is a length unit used to express distance, size or travel range in practical measurement work.
Measurement system and SI relationship
Metric, imperial and internationally standardized length usage
SI equivalent: 1 nmi = 1,852 m
History of the nautical mile
The nautical mile was originally one minute of arc of latitude, which made it convenient for navigation with charts. The International Hydrographic Conference fixed it at exactly 1,852 meters in 1929.
Where is the nautical mile used?
Distance, dimensions, navigation and physical measurement