Average Velocity Calculator (v = Δd/Δt)
Compute average velocity from total displacement and elapsed time. Result in m/s with km/h and mph conversions.
Result
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How to use this calculator
- Enter total displacement in metres. For one-dimensional motion this is the signed change in position.
- Enter elapsed time in seconds.
- Read average velocity in m/s plus km/h, mph, and ft/s conversions.
About this calculator
Average velocity is the total displacement divided by total elapsed time — distinct from average speed, which uses path length rather than displacement. A runner doing a 400 m lap in 60 s has an average speed of 6.67 m/s but an average velocity of zero (they ended where they started). For straight-line motion these are identical. Velocity is a vector: it has a sign or direction. The formula v = Δd/Δt is the classical definition; instantaneous velocity is the limit as Δt → 0, which is the derivative of position. This calculator returns the simple average for one-dimensional, constant-direction motion in m/s, km/h, mph, and ft/s.
Frequently asked
What is the difference between speed and velocity?+
Speed is the magnitude of velocity — a scalar. Velocity is a vector with direction. A runner finishing a closed lap has average speed > 0 but average velocity = 0 because displacement is zero.
Can average velocity be negative?+
Yes — sign reflects direction. Negative displacement over positive time gives negative average velocity, meaning net motion in the opposite direction.
How does average differ from instantaneous velocity?+
Instantaneous velocity is the velocity at a single moment (the derivative of position). Average velocity smooths over an interval. They are equal only when velocity is constant.
How do I convert m/s to mph?+
Multiply by 2.23694 (or divide by 0.44704). For quick mental math, m/s × 2 ≈ mph.
Does this work for varying speed?+
Yes — average velocity uses only the start and end positions and the total time. The intermediate motion does not matter.
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