How to convert kilometres per hour to metres per second
One kilometre per hour equals 0.277778 metres per second, so multiply the number of kilometres per hour by 0.277778:
m/s = km/h × 0.277778
km/h = m/s ÷ 0.277778 (1 m/s = 3.6 km/h)
Example: 5 km/h → 5 × 0.277778 = 1.3889 m/s.
Going the other way, divide by 0.277778, or multiply by 3.6; the metres per second to kilometres per hour converter does it for you.
Everyday values
| Kilometres per hour | Metres per second | For example |
|---|---|---|
| 5 km/h | 1.3889 m/s | walking |
| 36 km/h | 10 m/s | 10 m/s |
| 100 km/h | 27.7778 m/s | a motorway speed |
| 300 km/h | 83.3333 m/s | a high-speed train |
When you need this conversion
Divide km/h by 3.6 to get m/s. Stopping-distance calculations use m/s: at 100 km/h a car covers 27.8 metres every second, which is why reaction time matters so much.
Kilometre per hour to metre per second conversion table
| km/h | m/s | km/h | m/s |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 km/h | 2.7778 m/s | 110 km/h | 30.5556 m/s |
| 20 km/h | 5.5556 m/s | 120 km/h | 33.3333 m/s |
| 30 km/h | 8.3333 m/s | 130 km/h | 36.1111 m/s |
| 40 km/h | 11.1111 m/s | 140 km/h | 38.8889 m/s |
| 50 km/h | 13.8889 m/s | 150 km/h | 41.6667 m/s |
| 60 km/h | 16.6667 m/s | 160 km/h | 44.4444 m/s |
| 70 km/h | 19.4444 m/s | 170 km/h | 47.2222 m/s |
| 80 km/h | 22.2222 m/s | 180 km/h | 50 m/s |
| 90 km/h | 25 m/s | 190 km/h | 52.7778 m/s |
| 100 km/h | 27.7778 m/s | 200 km/h | 55.5556 m/s |
About the units
- Kilometre per hour (km/h): 1,000 metres per 3,600 seconds.
- Metre per second (m/s): the SI unit of speed.
Both are units of speed. The conversion factor comes from the exact definitions above, so the calculator is exact; results are only rounded for display (up to six significant digits).
Frequently asked questions
How many metres per second are in one kilometre per hour?
One kilometre per hour is 0.277778 metres per second. One metre per second is 3.6 kilometres per hour.
How do I convert kilometres per hour to metres per second?
Multiply the value in kilometres per hour by 0.277778. To go back, divide by 0.277778.
What is 5 km/h in metres per second?
5 km/h = 1.3889 m/s.
What is 36 km/h in metres per second?
36 km/h = 10 m/s.
Sources
- NIST Special Publication 811 (2008), Guide for the Use of the International System of Units (SI), Appendix B: conversion factors.
- NIST Handbook 44 (2024), Appendix C: General tables of units of measurement.
Last reviewed 5 October 2026. Results are estimates; see our disclaimer.