Home
v = d ÷ t
Advanced: If acceleration is non-zero, use kinematic formula: v = v₀ + a·t

What Is Velocity?

Velocity is a vector quantity that describes the rate of change of an object's position with respect to time. It includes both speed (magnitude) and direction. In everyday use, "velocity" and "speed" are often used interchangeably, but in physics, velocity is a vector while speed is a scalar.

The fundamental formula for constant velocity is:

v = d ÷ t

Where: v = velocity (m/s)  |  d = distance (m)  |  t = time (s)

For uniform acceleration, the kinematic equation is used:

v = v₀ + a·t

Where: v = final velocity  |  v₀ = initial velocity  |  a = acceleration  |  t = time

How the Velocity Calculator Works

This calculator solves for velocity, distance, or time using the formula v = d / t. Select what you want to calculate, enter the other two values, and choose the units.

  • Solve for Velocity: Enter distance and time → get velocity.
  • Solve for Distance: Enter velocity and time → get distance.
  • Solve for Time: Enter distance and velocity → get time.

If you enable the advanced options, you can also input an initial velocity and acceleration to use the kinematic formula for variable velocity scenarios.

Common Velocity Units

  • m/s — meters per second (SI unit)
  • km/h — kilometers per hour (common for vehicles)
  • mph — miles per hour (US customary)
  • ft/s — feet per second (imperial)
  • kn — knots (nautical miles per hour)

Why Use This Velocity Calculator?

  • Three Modes: Solve for velocity, distance, or time.
  • Multiple Units: Support for meters, kilometers, miles, feet, yards, seconds, minutes, hours, and more.
  • Advanced Kinematics: Optional acceleration support for variable velocity.
  • Visual Chart: See the distance vs. time relationship graphically.
  • Free & Private: No registration, no data storage.

❓ Velocity Calculator FAQ

What is the formula for velocity?

The basic formula is v = d ÷ t, where v is velocity, d is distance, and t is time.

What is the difference between speed and velocity?

Speed is a scalar quantity (magnitude only), while velocity is a vector quantity (magnitude and direction). For example, "60 km/h" is speed, while "60 km/h north" is velocity.

What is the SI unit of velocity?

The SI unit of velocity is meters per second (m/s).

How do I convert km/h to m/s?

Multiply by 1000 and divide by 3600, or multiply by 0.27778. For example, 100 km/h = 100 × 0.27778 = 27.78 m/s.

What is the average velocity formula?

Average velocity is v_avg = (v₀ + v) / 2 for constant acceleration, or v_avg = Δd / Δt for general motion.

How do I calculate distance from velocity and time?

Use the formula d = v × t. Multiply velocity by time to get distance.

How do I calculate time from distance and velocity?

Use the formula t = d ÷ v. Divide distance by velocity to get time.

What is the kinematic equation for velocity with acceleration?

The kinematic equation is v = v₀ + a·t, where v₀ is initial velocity, a is acceleration, and t is time.

What is terminal velocity?

Terminal velocity is the maximum constant velocity reached by an object falling through a fluid (like air) when the drag force equals the gravitational force.

What is the average speed of a human walking?

The average walking speed of a human is about 1.4 m/s (5 km/h or 3.1 mph).

What is the speed of sound?

The speed of sound in dry air at 20°C (68°F) is approximately 343 m/s (1,235 km/h or 767 mph).

What is the speed of light?

The speed of light in a vacuum is exactly 299,792,458 m/s (approximately 1.08 billion km/h).

How does acceleration affect velocity?

Acceleration changes velocity over time. A constant positive acceleration increases velocity, while a constant negative acceleration (deceleration) decreases it.

What is the difference between instantaneous and average velocity?

Instantaneous velocity is the velocity at a specific moment in time. Average velocity is the total displacement divided by the total time over a given interval.

Is this calculator free?

Yes, this calculator is completely free to use. No registration or personal data storage is required. All calculations are performed in your browser.