Average Speed for a Round Trip Calculator
Enter your speed going and your speed returning to find the true average speed for the whole round trip.
Average Speed for a Round Trip Calculator
Calculate the correct average speed for a round trip where you travel the same distance at two different speeds each way.
This calculator provides an estimate for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional financial, mechanical or engineering advice.
When you cover the same distance at two different speeds (e.g. going and returning), the correct average speed is the harmonic mean of the two speeds, not their simple arithmetic average.
Example
- With the default values shown above, this calculator returns: Average Speed (Round Trip) ≈ 48.00.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't this just the average of the two speeds?
Because you spend more time traveling at the slower speed, a simple average overstates your true average speed. The correct formula is the harmonic mean: 2 × Speed1 × Speed2 ÷ (Speed1 + Speed2).
Does this require equal distances each way?
Yes, this formula assumes the distance traveled at each speed is the same (e.g. the same route there and back).