Physics
Distance from speed and time
The same relationship solved for distance. Use it when a speed is held for a known duration.
The Formula
d = s x t
The same relationship solved for distance. Use it when a speed is held for a known duration.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| s | Speed | length per time | The known or assumed speed for the whole interval. |
| t | Time taken | time | Decimal hours; the product gives distance in the matching length unit. |
| d | Distance covered | length | What you get when a speed is held for a known duration. |
What Each Symbol Means
slength per time
Speed
The known or assumed speed for the whole interval.
ttime
Time taken
Decimal hours; the product gives distance in the matching length unit.
dlength
Distance covered
What you get when a speed is held for a known duration.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate speed page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Speed, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.