When to use this calculator
Calculate overall trip speed including time stopped. Overall average speed is lower than moving average speed when stops are included.
Explore the journey time & travel budget calculators for other questions in this topic. For a related calculation, use the Trip Cost With Tolls Calculator: Add fuel, tolls and parking for one planned trip.
PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE
Trip Average Speed: a worked example
The values below are an illustrative example, not a recommendation. Replace them with measurements or assumptions that match your question.
| Input | Example value |
|---|---|
| Distance (km) | 200 |
| Moving time (hours) | 3 |
| Stopped time (hours) | 0.5 |
| Result | 57.142857 km/h |
- Check the input labels and enter the example values above.
- Apply the relationship: Overall speed = distance ÷ (moving time + stopped time).
- The result is 57.142857 km/h, rounded for display.
How to interpret your result
Overall average speed is lower than moving average speed when stops are included.
Average speeds should include the delays relevant to your question. Equal-distance and equal-time speed averages use different methods. Compare trip budgets with consistent expense categories and journey boundaries.
Frequently asked questions
Why is average speed for equal-distance legs not a simple average?
More time is spent on the slower leg. Divide total distance by total travel time, which produces the harmonic mean for two equal-distance legs.
How do I use the trip average speed calculator?
Enter distance (km), moving time (hours), stopped time (hours). The result updates automatically. Use the units shown beside each input; the example values illustrate the method.
Which formula does this calculator use?
Overall speed = distance ÷ (moving time + stopped time).
What should I check before using the result?
Overall average speed is lower than moving average speed when stops are included.
How are results rounded?
Scalar numbers display up to six decimal places, with scientific notation for very large or small values. Text, fraction, date and schedule outputs use the format described on the tool. Intermediate calculations use JavaScript floating-point arithmetic. Keep sensible precision for your measurements.
Calculators Map editorial process · Updated · Methods and limitations