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Calculate Speed From RPM and Wheel Size

Speed Formula:

\[ Speed = \frac{RPM \times Circumference}{60} \]

rev/min
m

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1. What is the Speed Formula?

The speed formula calculates linear speed from rotational speed (RPM) and wheel circumference. It's commonly used in automotive, engineering, and physics applications to determine how fast a vehicle or rotating object is moving.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the speed formula:

\[ Speed = \frac{RPM \times Circumference}{60} \]

Where:

Explanation: The formula converts rotational speed to linear speed by multiplying RPM by the distance traveled per revolution (circumference), then divides by 60 to convert from per-minute to per-second units.

3. Importance of Speed Calculation

Details: Accurate speed calculation is essential for vehicle performance analysis, gear ratio selection, speedometer calibration, and various engineering applications involving rotating systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter RPM as rotations per minute and circumference in meters. Both values must be positive numbers. For best accuracy, measure wheel circumference precisely.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure wheel circumference?
A: Measure the distance around the outer edge of the wheel, or calculate it using the formula: Circumference = π × Diameter.

Q2: Can I use this for different wheel sizes?
A: Yes, simply input the correct circumference for each wheel size to calculate the corresponding speed.

Q3: Why convert to meters per second?
A: m/s is a standard SI unit for speed. You can convert to km/h by multiplying the result by 3.6.

Q4: Does this work for any rotating object?
A: Yes, the formula applies to any rotating object where you want to calculate the linear speed at the outer edge.

Q5: What if I have diameter instead of circumference?
A: First calculate circumference using: Circumference = π × Diameter, then use that value in the calculator.

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