How to Calculate Speed, Distance and Time (With Examples)

Speed, distance and time are linked by one simple relationship, and once you know it you can plan a trip, a run or answer a school question in seconds.

Quick answer

• Speed = Distance ÷ Time
• Distance = Speed × Time
• Time = Distance ÷ Speed

Examples

• A bus travels 180 km in 3 hours: speed = 180 ÷ 3 = 60 km/h.
• A cyclist rides at 20 km/h for 2.5 hours: distance = 20 × 2.5 = 50 km.
• A train covers 450 km at 90 km/h: time = 450 ÷ 90 = 5 hours.

Time in hours and minutes

Convert minutes to a fraction of an hour: 30 minutes = 0.5 hours, 45 minutes = 0.75. A result of 2.4 hours is 2 hours and 24 minutes (0.4 × 60).

Steps

1. Choose what to find.
2. Enter the other two values.
3. Read the answer.

Unit tips

• Keep units consistent: km with hours gives km/h; metres with seconds gives m/s.
• Convert: 1 m/s = 3.6 km/h.
• For miles, mph = miles per hour.

Uses

Travel planning, delivery estimates, running pace and school problems. For running pace per kilometre, use the Running Pace Calculator.

Remember

These formulas assume constant speed. Real journeys have stops and traffic, so add a margin.