When it comes to navigation, whether at sea or in the air, speed is usually measured in knots. While most people are familiar with kilometers per hour or miles per hour, knots remain the standard for ships and aircraft because of their history, practicality, and global consistency.

A knot equals one nautical mile per hour. Nautical miles are based on the Earth’s latitude and longitude, making them ideal for plotting long-distance courses. This is why both ships and planes rely on knots to measure speed, plan routes, and communicate navigation data. Even wind speeds are often reported in knots, giving pilots and mariners a clear sense of environmental conditions.

Typical cruising speeds vary depending on the type of vessel or aircraft. Cargo ships usually move at 20–25 knots, while fast passenger ferries can reach 30–40 knots. Commercial airliners cruise at roughly 450–500 knots, depending on altitude and weather conditions. Military jets and supersonic aircraft fly much faster, but even they often reference knots for navigation consistency.

Using knots provides a universal standard that connects historical maritime practices with modern technology. From the log line used by early sailors to today’s high-tech ships and airplanes, knots remain a practical and reliable way to measure speed. Understanding knots helps us grasp not only how fast ships and aircraft move, but also how navigation and communication remain consistent across the world’s oceans and skies.