Convert Speed from Mile per hour (mph) to other units
Multiple conversions

Understanding Miles Per Hour (MPH)

Miles per hour (mph) is a standard unit of speed that measures the distance traveled in one hour.

It is primarily used in countries that use the imperial system of measurement, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, where it is commonly seen on road signs and speedometers.

How to Convert MPH to Other Speeds

When comparing speeds across countries, it helps to convert miles per hour (mph) into other common units.

One mile per hour equals:

• 1.609 kilometers per hour (km/h)
• 0.447 meters per second (m/s)
• 1.47 feet per second (ft/s)

These conversions are helpful for a wide range of applications, including international travel, science, and engineering.

Where Did MPH Come From?

The use of miles per hour became popular with the rise of cars and trains.

Before modern vehicles, travel was slow and didn't require precise speed measurement. As cars became common in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, MPH became the standard for speedometers in countries using the imperial system, providing drivers with a simple way to measure their speed.

Which Countries Use MPH?

While most of the world uses kilometers per hour (km/h) from the metric system, a few countries still officially use miles per hour.

The most well-known are:

• The United States
• The United Kingdom
• Liberia
• Myanmar

This is why many car speedometers show both MPH and km/h, making them useful for drivers in different parts of the world.