Calculate speed, distance, or time using the fundamental physics equation. Solve for any variable when given the other two with precision and unit conversions.
Speed is defined as the change of position of an object over time. It is a measure of the rate at which an object travels over a given distance. Our calculator uses the fundamental relationship between speed, distance, and time to solve for any unknown variable when the other two are provided.
The speed equation Speed = Distance ÷ Time shows the direct relationship between these three physical quantities. This relationship is fundamental in physics, engineering, transportation, and many everyday applications where motion analysis is required.
Speed, distance, and time are related by the formula Speed = Distance ÷ Time. This fundamental equation can be rearranged to solve for any of the three variables: Distance = Speed × Time, and Time = Distance ÷ Speed. Understanding these relationships helps in solving various motion problems.
Speed increases if you cover more distance in the same amount of time, or if you cover the same distance in a shorter period of time. The units of measurement are crucial in speed calculations, as different unit systems will result in different numerical values for the same physical quantity.
| Unit | m/s | km/h | mph | knots | ft/s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 m/s | 1 | 3.6 | 2.237 | 1.944 | 3.281 |
| 1 km/h | 0.278 | 1 | 0.621 | 0.540 | 0.911 |
| 1 mph | 0.447 | 1.609 | 1 | 0.869 | 1.467 |
| 1 knot | 0.514 | 1.852 | 1.151 | 1 | 1.688 |
| 1 ft/s | 0.305 | 1.097 | 0.682 | 0.592 | 1 |
| Object/Phenomenon | m/s | km/h | mph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average walking speed | 1.4 | 5 | 3.1 |
| Peak human running speed | 12.42 | 44.7 | 27.8 |
| Peak cheetah running speed | 33.53 | 120.7 | 75 |
| Speed of sound (sea level, 20°C) | 343 | 1,235 | 768 |
| Commercial airliner cruise speed | 250 | 900 | 559 |
| Earth's orbital speed | 29,783 | 107,218 | 66,623 |
| Speed of light in vacuum | 299,792,458 | 1,079,252,848 | 670,616,629 |
Understanding the relationship between speed, distance, and time is crucial in numerous practical situations. In transportation, these calculations help determine travel times, fuel consumption, and route planning. Traffic engineers use speed calculations to design safe road systems and determine appropriate speed limits.
In sports and athletics, coaches and athletes use speed calculations to analyze performance, set training goals, and optimize technique. Aviation and maritime navigation rely heavily on speed calculations for flight planning, fuel management, and safety protocols. Engineers use these principles in designing vehicles, machinery, and systems where motion is involved.
While speed and velocity are often used interchangeably in everyday language, they have distinct meanings in physics. Speed is a scalar quantity that measures only the magnitude of motion, while velocity is a vector quantity that includes both magnitude and direction. Our calculator focuses on speed calculations, which are sufficient for most practical applications.
In most real-world scenarios, understanding speed relationships helps us make informed decisions about travel, safety, and efficiency. Whether calculating how long a trip will take, determining if you're driving within speed limits, or analyzing the performance of moving objects, these fundamental relationships are invaluable tools.