Velocity Calculator
Calculate velocity, distance, or time using the formula v = d / t. Select the calculation mode below.
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What is Velocity?
Velocity is a fundamental concept in kinematics that describes how fast an object moves and in what direction. Unlike speed (which is scalar), velocity is a vector quantity, meaning it has both magnitude and direction. The formula for velocity is:
v = d / t
Where v is velocity, d is displacement (distance moved in a straight line in a specific direction), and t is time. The SI unit of velocity is meters per second (m/s). Velocity can be constant (uniform motion) or changing (accelerated motion).
Common Velocity Reference Values
| Object / Event | Velocity (m/s) |
|---|---|
| Walking pace | 1.4 |
| Running (10 km/h) | 2.78 |
| Car on highway | 29.1 |
| Speed of sound (sea level) | 340.3 |
| Commercial jet (cruise) | 250 |
| Space shuttle (orbit) | 7,800 |
| Speed of light | 299,792,458 |
| Bullet (rifle) | 1,200 |
Related Calculators
Authoritative References
Frequently Asked Questions
What is velocity?
Velocity is a vector quantity that measures the rate of change of position with respect to time. It includes both speed (magnitude) and direction. The formula is v = d / t, where v is velocity, d is displacement, and t is time. The SI unit of velocity is meters per second (m/s). Unlike speed, velocity has direction specified.
How do I calculate velocity?
Velocity is calculated by dividing the displacement by the time taken: v = d / t. For example, if a car travels 100 meters in 5 seconds, its velocity is 20 m/s. If direction matters, specify it (e.g., 20 m/s north). Average velocity considers total displacement, while instantaneous velocity is measured at a specific moment.
What is the difference between speed and velocity?
Speed is a scalar quantity that only measures how fast an object is moving (magnitude only). Velocity is a vector that includes both speed and direction. A car moving at 60 km/h has a speed of 60 km/h, but its velocity could be 60 km/h north. If the car turns, velocity changes even if speed stays constant.
What is the velocity of light?
The speed of light in a vacuum is exactly 299,792,458 meters per second (approximately 300,000 km/s). It is the universal speed limit — no information or matter can travel faster than light. Light travels at about 1.08 billion km/h. In other media, light slows down (e.g., in water, it's about 225,000 km/s).
How does velocity relate to acceleration?
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time: a = Δv / t. If velocity increases, acceleration is positive (speeding up). If velocity decreases, acceleration is negative (deceleration or braking). Constant velocity means zero acceleration. Changing direction at constant speed still involves acceleration (centripetal acceleration).
What is terminal velocity?
Terminal velocity is the constant speed reached when the drag force of a falling object equals the gravitational force pulling it down. At terminal velocity, acceleration becomes zero and the object falls at constant speed. For a human skydiver in belly-down position, terminal velocity is about 53 m/s (190 km/h or 120 mph).