Speed Distance Time Calculator
Calculate speed, distance, or time from any two known values.
Works for any mode of transport — sailing, driving, cycling, running.
The speed-distance-time triangle is the most fundamental relationship in navigation. Any two values give you the third:
The three formulas:
- Speed = Distance / Time
- Distance = Speed × Time
- Time = Distance / Speed
Units matter: Keep speed, distance, and time in consistent units. This calculator accepts any common unit and converts automatically.
Common unit conversions:
- 1 knot = 1.852 km/h = 1.151 mph
- 1 nautical mile = 1.852 km = 1.151 statute miles
- 1 statute mile = 1.609 km
- 1 km = 0.621 miles = 0.540 nautical miles
Worked examples:
Example 1 — how long will it take? A sailboat at 5 knots needs to cover 25 nautical miles. Time = 25 / 5 = 5 hours
Example 2 — how far did I travel? A hiker walks at 4 km/h for 3 hours 30 minutes. Distance = 4 × 3.5 = 14 km
Example 3 — what speed am I doing? A car covers 280 km in 2 hours 20 minutes. Speed = 280 / 2.333 = 120 km/h
Rule of 60: A useful mental shortcut — at 60 knots, you travel 1 nautical mile per minute. At 30 knots, 0.5 nm/min. At 6 knots, 0.1 nm/min (6 nm/hr).