Mechanics
Average Velocity
Average velocity is the total displacement divided by total time elapsed.
Variables
vavgm/s
Average velocity
Mean velocity over interval
xfm
Final position
Position at time t_f
xim
Initial position
Position at time t_i
tfs
Final time
End of time interval
tis
Initial time
Start of time interval
Derivation
By definition, average velocity is Δx/Δt = (x_f - x_i)/(t_f - t_i).
Your notes
0/5000
Where this formula is listed
- Mechanics formulas, under Kinematics, alongside Acceleration, Kinematic Equation 1, Kinematic Equation 2, Kinematic Equation 3 and Free Fall.
- In the mechanics list it comes after Projectile Time of Flight and before Newton's Second Law.
- Mechanics formula sheet, one of 58 formulas printed with symbol keys and SI units.
- The full formula index, grouped by category and topic.
Common questions
What is the Average Velocity formula?
Average Velocity is written v_avg = (x_f − x_i)/(t_f − t_i). Average velocity is the total displacement divided by total time elapsed. It belongs to Mechanics, under Kinematics.
What are the units in v_avg = (x_f − x_i)/(t_f − t_i)?
In SI units, v_a vg is average velocity, measured in m/s; x_f is final position, measured in m; x_i is initial position, measured in m; t_f is final time, measured in s; t_i is initial time, measured in s.
How is the Average Velocity formula derived?
By definition, average velocity is Δx/Δt = (x_f - x_i)/(t_f - t_i). The result is v_avg = (x_f − x_i)/(t_f − t_i).