Whether you’re running laps, driving across town, or watching a rocket soar into space, you’ve probably heard the word velocity. But what does it actually mean—and how do you find the average velocity?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Let’s break it down together. 
Table of Contents
First, What Is Velocity?
Velocity is just a fancy way of saying speed with direction. So while speed tells you how fast you’re going, velocity tells you how fast and in what direction.
For example:
- Speed: 60 km/h
- Velocity: 60 km/h north
What Is Average Velocity?
Average velocity tells you your overall speed and direction across a whole trip—not just at one moment.
Imagine you jog to the store and walk back slower. Your average velocity gives you one clear number that shows how fast (and in what direction) you moved overall.
Average Velocity Formula
Here’s the formula:
Average Velocity = Total Displacement / Total Time
Where:
- Displacement = straight-line distance between where you started and ended (with direction)
- Time = how long the entire trip took
Note: Displacement is different from distance. If you run in a circle and end where you started, your displacement is zero!
Let’s Try a Real-Life Example
You walk 100 meters north in 50 seconds.
Average Velocity = 100 meters / 50 seconds = 2 meters per second north
Your average velocity is 2 m/s north.
What If You Change Directions?
Let’s say you walk 100 meters north, then 100 meters south, all in 100 seconds.
- Total distance = 200 meters
- Total displacement = 0 meters (you ended where you started!)
- So:
Average Velocity = 0 / 100 = 0 m/s
Even though you moved a lot, your average velocity is zero, because you didn’t go anywhere overall!
Average Velocity Calculator
Enter the total distance and time. The tool will give the Average Velocity.
Average Velocity vs. Average Speed
These two sound similar but are a little different:
| Concept | Formula | Direction Included? |
|---|---|---|
| Average Speed | Total Distance / Total Time |  No |
| Average Velocity | Total Displacement / Total Time | Yes |
So if direction matters (like in physics or navigation), go with average velocity.
Quick Tips
- Use consistent units (like meters and seconds, or kilometers and hours)
- Displacement is a straight line, not total steps!
- Use a positive or negative sign to show direction (e.g., +5 m/s or -5 m/s)
Final Thoughts
Average velocity is a simple, powerful way to understand how something moves over time. Whether you’re tracking your morning jog or solving physics homework, all you need is displacement and time—and you’re good to go!