MPH is an abbreviation for Miles Per Hour, a speed unit expressing the number of miles traveled per hour. MPH is used in the US, UK, and other smaller countries.
If you want to learn more about this measurement and its origin, you’ve come to the right place.
We at PowerSportsGuide have compiled all you need to know into this post!
What is MPH Used for?
Simply put, MPH is an Imperial unit used for measuring speed. It’s a well-known measurement used for expressing the number of miles covered in one hour.
In most cases, MPH is used for measuring the speed of vehicles like cars, motorcycles, and trains.
It’s also used in the rail systems of the US, Canada, and some smaller countries. British rail systems also measure speed in MPH except for smaller systems like the tram or metro networks.
Certain countries still use MPH to describe the speed of a ball in baseball, cricket, tennis, or other sports events. But surprisingly, it always depends on the country hosting the event.
For example, at Wimbledon and the US Open, the speed is measured and displayed in MPH. In contrast, at the Australian Open and French Open, the speed of the ball is displayed in KMH (kilometer per hour.)
How do You Calculate MPH?
You can calculate MPH by dividing the distance traveled in miles by the number of hours. In other words, the MPH equals the distance (in miles) divided by the time (in hours.) Based on that, the MPH formula is as follows:
- Velocity (MPH) = Distance (miles) / Time (hours)
For example, you can calculate the speed of a vehicle that travels 90 miles in 1.5 hours:
90 miles / 1.5 hours = 60 MPH (miles per hour)
What Countries Still Use MPH?
MPH is still used in the United States, United Kingdom, and many smaller countries. Most of them belong to the US or UK or have some significant historical ties with these countries. These territories include Liberia, Myanmar, and the majority of the Caribbean islands and countries, such as the Bahamas, Antigua, Nevis, Barbuda, and St. Kitts.
Takeaways – FAQs About MPH
As a takeaway, we’ve answered the most common questions about this important speed unit.
Is MPH the Same as Speed?
MPH is a speed unit expressing the distance traveled in one hour. This measurement is written after a number that tells how fast that vehicle or object can travel per hour.
Why is it Called MPH?
MPH is the abbreviation for Miles Per Hour, hence the name.
Is MPH Used for Velocity?
Yes, MPH is used for velocity since the latter is the speed with direction. The exact definition of MPH is “the velocity in miles per hour is equal to the distance traveled in miles divided by time in hours.”
- Velocity (MPH) = Distance (miles) / Time (hours)
When Was MPH First Used?
The MPH unit was used first in the 19th Century. The first official speed limit for vehicles was 10 MPH, which was addressed in the UK in 1961.
Why Does the US Use MPH?
The US still uses MPH because this country had adopted British Imperial units before the metric system was invented.
The English settlers who came to America in the 17th Century used Imperial units. In 1776 United States declared independence but decided to stick to the Imperial units.
Meanwhile, the majority of countries switched to the metric system, but the United States never did.
Do American Cars Use MPH?
Yes, American cars measure speed in MPH.
Which Countries Still Use MPH?
Does the UK use MPH or KPH?
Surprisingly, the United Kingdom still uses MPH instead of KPH for speed measurements.
Does Canada use MPH or KPH?
Canada uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does Mexico use MPH or KPH?
Mexico uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does China use MPH or KPH?
China uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does Europe use MPH or KPH?
Europe uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does Australia use MPH or KPH?
Australia uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does Germany use MPH or KPH?
Germany uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does France use MPH or KPH?
France uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does Ireland use MPH or KPH?
Ireland uses MPH instead of KPH.
Does India use MPH or KPH?
India uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does Italy use MPH or KPH?
Italy uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does Japan use MPH or KPH?
Japan uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does Jamaica use MPH or KPH?
Jamaica uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does Spain use MPH or KPH?
Spain uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does London use MPH or KPH?
London uses MPH instead of KPH.
Does Russia use MPH or KPH?
Russia uses KPH instead of MPH.
Does New Zealand use MPH or KPH?
New Zealand uses KPH instead of MPH.
References:
https://carused.jp/blog/professional-car-knowledge/mph-and-kph-which-country-uses-which-metric
https://www.rhinocarhire.com/Drive-Smart-Blog/Which-Countries-use-MPH-or-KPH.aspx
