Beaufort Scale to MPH Converter — Wind Speed Calculator
Instantly convert Beaufort wind force numbers to miles per hour (mph), km/h, and knots. Includes detailed sea and land condition descriptions for accurate meteorological reference.
Beaufort to MPH or MPH to Beaufort?
Select your preferred conversion direction. Enter the Beaufort scale number or the wind speed in miles per hour to instantly see the matched wind force, speed ranges, and environmental conditions.
Beaufort to MPH Converter
Convert a Beaufort wind force number to exact speed ranges
Select the Beaufort scale number (0-12)
Wind Speed Result
Converted speed and environmental conditions
Select a Beaufort scale number, then click Convert to MPH.
MPH to Beaufort Converter
Find the matching Beaufort scale number for a given wind speed
Enter wind speed in miles per hour
Beaufort Match Result
Matched scale number and environmental conditions
Enter a wind speed in MPH, then click Find Beaufort Scale.
Complete Beaufort Wind Scale
The full 0-12 Beaufort scale with corresponding wind speeds and observable conditions. Devised by Sir Francis Beaufort in 1805, it remains a global standard for maritime and meteorological reporting.
| Force | Description | Speed (MPH) | Speed (Knots) | Land Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Calm | < 1 | < 1 | Smoke rises vertically |
| 1 | Light Air | 1 – 3 | 1 – 3 | Direction shown by smoke drift |
| 2 | Light Breeze | 4 – 7 | 4 – 6 | Wind felt on face, leaves rustle |
| 3 | Gentle Breeze | 8 – 12 | 7 – 10 | Leaves and small twigs in constant motion |
| 4 | Moderate Breeze | 13 – 18 | 11 – 16 | Raises dust and loose paper |
| 5 | Fresh Breeze | 19 – 24 | 17 – 21 | Small trees in leaf begin to sway |
| 6 | Strong Breeze | 25 – 31 | 22 – 27 | Large branches in motion, whistling in wires |
| 7 | High Wind | 32 – 38 | 28 – 33 | Whole trees in motion, inconvenience in walking |
| 8 | Gale | 39 – 46 | 34 – 40 | Twigs break off trees, generally impedes progress |
| 9 | Strong Gale | 47 – 54 | 41 – 47 | Slight structural damage (chimney pots, slates) |
| 10 | Storm | 55 – 63 | 48 – 55 | Trees uprooted, considerable structural damage |
| 11 | Violent Storm | 64 – 72 | 56 – 63 | Widespread damage, very rarely experienced inland |
| 12 | Hurricane | 73+ | 64+ | Devastation |
Beaufort Scale Converter FAQ
Everything meteorologists, sailors, and outdoor enthusiasts ask about wind speed and the Beaufort scale.
The Beaufort Wind Scale is an empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land. Devised in 1805 by Sir Francis Beaufort, it ranges from 0 (Calm) to 12 (Hurricane), providing a standardized way to communicate wind intensity without instruments.
Each Beaufort number corresponds to a specific range of wind speeds. For example, Beaufort Force 4 (Moderate Breeze) equals 13-18 mph. You can use our converter above by simply selecting the Beaufort number or entering your known MPH to find the matching force.
Force 8 is classified as a ‘Gale’ or ‘Fresh Gale’. It corresponds to wind speeds of 39-46 mph (62-74 km/h or 34-40 knots). At this level, twigs break off trees, and walking against the wind is generally impeded. At sea, moderately high waves form with crests breaking into spindrift.
Despite modern anemometers, the Beaufort scale remains widely used in marine forecasting, shipping, and general meteorology because it provides a quick, universally understood description of wind effects on the environment, which is crucial for safety and navigation.
The highest standard Beaufort scale number is 12, classified as a ‘Hurricane’. This represents wind speeds of 73 mph (118 km/h or 64 knots) and above, characterized by devastation on land and air filled with foam and spray at sea.