Metres per second (m/s) is the scientific unit for speed — used in physics and technical work — while everyday speed is shown in km/h or mph. Converting is straightforward.

The formulas

So 1 m/s = 3.6 km/h = 2.237 mph.

The most useful one to remember: multiply m/s by 3.6 to get km/h.

Quick conversion table

m/s km/h mph
1 3.6 2.2
2 7.2 4.5
5 18.0 11.2
10 36.0 22.4
15 54.0 33.6
20 72.0 44.7
25 90.0 55.9
30 108.0 67.1

Where m/s is used

You'll see m/s in physics problems, wind-speed reports, athletics (a sprinter's velocity), and engineering. For road speed, km/h and mph are the norm.

See your speed in m/s live

You don't have to convert in your head — the GPS Speedometer can show your live speed directly in m/s (tap the m/s unit), as well as km/h, mph and knots. It's free, works in your browser, and your location never leaves your device.