Rate of Pursuit Calculator
Calculate how long it takes for one object to catch another.
Results
Rate of Pursuit (Closing Speed):
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Time to Intercept:
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Distance Traveled by Pursuer:
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The pursuer must be faster than the target to close the gap!
Understanding Rate of Pursuit
The rate of pursuit (or closing speed) is a physics concept used to determine how quickly a faster object closes the distance between itself and a slower object moving in the same direction. This calculation is essential in navigation, aviation, sports, and logistics.
The Mathematical Formula
The calculation relies on three main variables:
- Rate of Pursuit: Pursuer Speed – Target Speed
- Time to Intercept: Initial Distance / Rate of Pursuit
- Intercept Point: Pursuer Speed × Time to Intercept
Real-World Example
Imagine a police car (Pursuer) is traveling at 120 km/h chasing a suspect (Target) moving at 100 km/h. The initial gap between them is 5 km.
- Rate of Pursuit: 120 – 100 = 20 km/h.
- Time to Catch: 5 / 20 = 0.25 hours (15 minutes).
- Distance Covered: By the time the officer catches the suspect, they will have driven 30 km.
Note: This calculator assumes both objects are moving in a straight line in the same direction. For objects moving toward each other, the speeds would be added rather than subtracted.