Speed, Distance & Time Calculator Guide
A speed calculator solves relationships among speed, distance, and time, and converts between mph, km/h, and m/s. It can compute average speed and pace for travel and fitness.
What is Speed Calculator?
The speed calculator converts units and rearranges speed = distance / time to solve any missing variable. It is useful for trip planning, physics class, and running or cycling training.
How to Use the Speed Calculator
- Enter two of three: speed, distance, time.
- Calculate the missing variable.
- Convert units: mph, km/h, m/s, min/mile, min/km.
- Use average mode for multi-leg trips: total distance / total time.
- Save common speeds (e.g., highway, jogging) for quick reuse.
Formulas & Methods
- Core:
v = d / t,t = d / v,d = v * t. - Conversions:
1 mph = 1.60934 km/h = 0.44704 m/s;1 m/s = 3.6 km/h = 2.23694 mph. - Pace:
pace = time / distance(min per mile or km). - Average speed:
v_avg = (sum d_i) / (sum t_i); do not average speeds directly unless times equal.
Assumptions & limitations
- Assumes uniform speed within each leg; acceleration phases ignored.
- Clock precision and distance measurement affect result accuracy.
- For air/sea navigation, wind/current require vector adjustments beyond scope.
Examples
Example A — Time for a trip
d = 180 miles, v = 60 mph -> t = 3 hours.
Example B — Unit conversion
v = 8.5 mph -> = 13.68 km/h or = 3.80 m/s. Pace = 7:03 min/mile.
Example C — Average speed
Legs: 50 mi @ 50 mph (1 h) + 50 mi @ 25 mph (2 h) -> v_avg = 100 / 3 = 33.33 mph (not 37.5).
| Task | Inputs | Output | |---|---|---| | Distance | 45 min, 70 mph | 52.5 mi | | Time | 10 km, 12.5 km/h | 0.8 h (48 min) | | Pace | 5 km, 28 min | 5:36 min/km |
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- Keep units consistent; convert before calculating.
- For running, use pace to plan splits; for cycling, speed is more common.
- Average total time and distance for accurate overall speed.
- Leave a buffer for traffic or rest stops in trip plans.
Related Calculators
FAQ
Q: How do I calculate speed?
A: Speed = distance / time. Keep units consistent, e.g., miles per hour or meters per second.
Q: How do I convert between mph, km/h, and m/s?
A: Multiply mph by 1.60934 to get km/h; m/s x 3.6 = km/h; mph = 2.23694 x m/s.
Q: What is average speed?
A: Total distance divided by total time, not the average of speeds unless time at each speed is equal.
Q: Can I compute time or distance instead?
A: Yes—rearrange: time = distance/speed, distance = speed x time.
Q: What about pace for running?
A: Pace is the inverse of speed: minutes per mile or kilometer.
Call to Action
Enter any two values to solve the third—convert units and compute average speed or pace for trips, classes, or training.