Velocity Calculator
Calculate average velocity (v = Δx/t) easily.
Velocity
m/s
Speed vs Velocity
While often used interchangeably in everyday language, speed and velocity are distinct concepts in physics.
- Speed is how fast you are going. It is a scalar (magnitude only). Formula:
Distance ÷ Time. - Velocity is speed with a direction. It is a vector (magnitude + direction). Formula:
Displacement ÷ Time.
Example
If you run 400m around a track and end up where you started:
- Your distance is 400m.
- Your displacement is 0m (because you're back at the start).
- Your average speed is positive.
- Your average velocity is 0 (because displacement is 0).
FAQ
What is velocity?
Velocity is the rate of change of an object's position with respect to a frame of reference. It is a vector quantity, meaning it has both speed (magnitude) and direction.
What is the difference between displacement and distance?
Distance is the total path length traveled (scalar), while displacement is the straight-line distance between the starting and ending points including direction (vector).
Can velocity be negative?
Yes! A negative velocity indicates that the object is moving in the opposite direction of the defined positive axis (e.g., moving backwards or left).
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