Speed of Sound Calculator
Calculate the speed of sound in air at a given temperature.
This tool is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, medical, legal, or engineering advice. See Terms of Service.
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Enter the air temperature in Celsius. The calculator computes the speed of sound using the formula v = 331.3 + 0.606 x T and displays results in multiple units.
About Speed of Sound
The speed of sound in air depends primarily on temperature. The approximate formula v = 331.3 + 0.606T (where T is in Celsius) comes from the more rigorous relationship v = 331.3 sqrt(1 + T/273.15). At 0 degrees Celsius, sound travels at 331.3 m/s. At room temperature (20 C), it is about 343 m/s. This knowledge is important for acoustics, aviation, meteorology, and any application where sound travel time matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does temperature affect the speed of sound?
Sound travels faster in warmer air because molecules move faster and transmit vibrations more quickly. The speed increases by about 0.6 m/s for each degree Celsius.
What is the speed of sound at room temperature?
At 20 degrees Celsius, the speed of sound in dry air is approximately 343 m/s (1,235 km/h or 767 mph).
Is the speed of sound the same in all materials?
No. Sound travels faster in denser and stiffer media. In water it is about 1,480 m/s, and in steel about 5,960 m/s. This calculator focuses on air.