OceanCalc

Nautical Miles Explained

Why mariners use nautical miles and how they relate to latitude and charts.

Author: OceanCalc Editorial Team · Publisher: Albor Digital LLC

A nautical mile is 1,852 meters, or approximately one minute of latitude. So 60 nautical miles are approximately one degree of latitude. This makes chart work simple: distance on the chart (using the latitude scale) closely matches distance in the real world. Nautical miles are used worldwide for marine and aviation navigation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you measure distance on a nautical chart?

    Use the latitude scale on the sides of the chart. One minute of latitude is approximately one nautical mile. For longer distances, use the scale or a divider to compare with the latitude scale.

OceanCalc is a precision-focused maritime calculation platform built for sailors, navigators, and marine professionals. All formulas are derived from established navigation principles including great-circle computation, rhumb line navigation, and classical seamanship mathematics.

OceanCalc publishes maritime navigation calculators, sailing references, and nautical measurement tools designed for educational and practical marine planning use.