What is the 6 minute rule formula?

• A. Speed (kts) / 10 = Distance (NM) traveled in 6 mins
• B. Speed (kts) * 10 = Distance (NM)
• C. Speed (kts) / 6 = Distance (NM)
• D. Speed (kts) * 6 = Distance (NM)

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that distance traveled equals speed multiplied by time, with speed in knots and distance in nautical miles. For a six-minute interval, time is 0.1 hours (6 minutes ÷ 60). So distance = speed × 0.1, which is the same as speed ÷ 10. That’s why the six-minute rule says distance in nautical miles equals speed in knots divided by 10.

For example, at 12 knots, six minutes of travel would cover 12 × 0.1 = 1.2 NM (12 ÷ 10 = 1.2).

The other forms don’t reflect the 0.1-hour time factor from six minutes, so they don’t give the correct distance for a six-minute interval.