Speed Calculator

Use this free speed calculator to work out average speed in seconds. Enter the distance and the time taken, and the speed calculator shows the average speed in miles per hour or kilometres per hour instantly — no sign-up, no account, and no personal information needed. Your numbers are calculated in your browser and are not sent to us.

Contents: Formula · How to use · Examples · Tips · FAQ · Related tools

No sign-up required. This speed calculator works in your browser, so the distances and times you enter are not stored or sent to us.

How to Calculate Speed With This Speed Calculator

Average speed tells you how fast a journey was overall, including any slower sections. It is not the fastest speed reached, and it is not the speed shown on a speedometer at one moment.

Average speed = Distance ÷ Time

For example, 120 miles in 2 hours gives 120 ÷ 2 = 60 miles per hour. In metric units, 200 kilometres in 2.5 hours gives 200 ÷ 2.5 = 80 kilometres per hour. This speed calculator converts the answer as well: 1 mile per hour equals 1.609 kilometres per hour, so 60 mph is about 96.6 km/h, and 80 km/h is about 49.7 mph.

How to Use the Speed Calculator

Type the distance into the first box and choose miles or kilometres. Then type the time in hours into the third box. For 30 minutes, type 0.5; for 1 hour 30 minutes, type 1.5. Tap Calculate Speed to see the average speed.

Use the total journey time, including stops, if you want the true average for the whole trip. If you want the moving average only, leave stops out of the time. Either way, keep the distance and time in matching units, because the speed calculator returns the speed in the unit you chose.

Speed Calculator Examples

Example 1 — 120 miles in 2 hours. Average speed = 120 ÷ 2 = 60.00 mph (96.56 km/h).

Example 2 — 200 kilometres in 2.5 hours. Average speed = 200 ÷ 2.5 = 80.00 km/h (49.71 mph).

Example 3 — 30 miles in 0.5 hours. Average speed = 30 ÷ 0.5 = 60.00 mph (96.56 km/h).

These speed calculator examples show that the same average speed can come from very different trips. A short, fast trip and a long, steady trip can share the same average, which is why average speed alone does not describe how a journey felt.

Speed Calculator Tips

Convert minutes to hours before you enter the time: divide minutes by 60. For example, 45 minutes is 0.75 hours. Always check speed limits for the road you are using, because this speed calculator reports an average, not a safe or legal speed.

For running and cycling, the same formula applies, but the speeds are usually lower and the time is often in minutes. Convert the time to hours first, or the result will be far too high. For background on speed, distance, and time, see the BBC Bitesize guide to speed, distance and time. If you need journey time instead, the time duration calculator can help.

Speed Calculator FAQ

What does a speed calculator do? A speed calculator divides distance by time to give average speed, in miles per hour or kilometres per hour.

What is the difference between speed and velocity? Speed is how fast something moves, while velocity also includes direction. For most everyday trips, the speed calculator answer is what you need.

How do I enter minutes? Convert minutes to hours by dividing by 60. For example, 90 minutes is 1.5 hours, and 20 minutes is 0.33 hours.

Can I use the speed calculator for running? Yes. Enter the run distance and the time in hours to get the average pace in miles or kilometres per hour.

Does the speed calculator show miles per hour and kilometres per hour? Yes. It shows the speed in your chosen unit and converts it to the other unit in the same result.