Average speed = 180 miles / 3 hours = 60 miles per hour.

Sun, 03 May 2026 19:52:53 +0000

Understanding Average Speed: The Simple Formula rexp·180 miles ÷ 3 hours = 60 mph When it comes to measuring speed, one of the most straightforward and widely used calculations is derived from the basic formula: Average Speed = Total Distance ÷ Total Time. This formula helps us understand how fast a vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian is moving over a specific period. A classic example is: if a vehicle travels 180 miles in 3 hours, its average speed is calculated as 180 ÷ 3 = 60 miles per hour (mph). In this article, we’ll break down how this calculation works, why average speed matters across different applications, and tips for accurate speed tracking. ### What Is Average Speed? Average speed represents the overall rate of movement over a journey, regardless of changes in speed during travel. Unlike instantaneous speed, which measures how fast someone is moving at a specific moment, average speed gives a smooth, consistent indicator of travel efficiency. For instance, driving 180 miles in exactly 3 hours gives a reliable average of 60 mph—assuming no stops. But if the trip included stops or uneven segments, this value still averages out all distance and time into a single representative rate.