Average Speed Calculator

Motion analysis

What is average speed?

Average speed describes how much total distance an object travels during a given time interval. It is a scalar quantity, so it does not include direction.

Formula

Average speed formula

• s̄ is average speed.
• d is total distance.
• t is total elapsed time.

Worked example

Calculate speed from distance and time

1. Total distance is 150 metres.
2. Elapsed time is 10 seconds.
3. Apply s̄ = 150 ÷ 10.
4. Average speed is 15 m/s.

Important distinction

Average speed versus average velocity

Average speed uses the full path length, while average velocity uses displacement. A round trip can have a positive average speed but zero average velocity.

Applications

Where average speed is used

• Travel and journey calculations.
• Vehicle performance analysis.
• Laboratory motion experiments.
• Sports timing and distance studies.
• Introductory physics problems.

Related tools

Continue your motion analysis

Use the Average Velocity Calculator when displacement and direction matter.

Use the Acceleration Calculator to calculate changes in velocity over time.

Interpretation limits

Assumptions and limitations

Average speed uses total distance divided by total elapsed time. It does not describe changes in speed, direction, acceleration, stops, or the fastest and slowest parts of a journey.

Distance and time values must represent the same trip and use compatible units. Using moving time instead of total elapsed time can produce a different result.

Questions and answers

Average speed FAQ