Rate of Wind Calculator
Meters (m)
Kilometers (km)
Miles (mi)
Feet (ft)
Nautical Miles (nm)
Seconds
Minutes
Hours
Calculated Wind Velocity
Meters per Second:
0
Kilometers per Hour:
0
Miles per Hour:
0
Knots (Nautical MPH):
0
Beaufort Scale:
0
How to Calculate the Rate of Wind
The rate of wind, commonly known as wind speed or wind velocity, is a fundamental atmospheric measurement. In physics, the rate of wind is calculated by dividing the distance an air mass travels by the time it takes to cover that distance.
The Basic Formula:
V = D / T
Where:
– V is the Velocity (Rate of Wind)
– D is the Distance
– T is the Time
Common Wind Speed Units
- Meters per second (m/s): The standard SI unit for velocity, used primarily in scientific and meteorological research.
- Kilometers per hour (km/h): Used in many countries for weather reports and road transport.
- Miles per hour (mph): The primary unit used in the United States and the UK for surface wind speeds.
- Knots (kn): Equal to one nautical mile per hour, used globally in maritime and aviation navigation.
Understanding the Beaufort Scale
Meteorologists often use the Beaufort Scale to describe wind rates based on observed conditions. For example, a "Gentle Breeze" ranges from 3.4 to 5.4 m/s (Beaufort 3), while a "Gale" begins at 17.2 m/s (Beaufort 8). Our calculator provides a Beaufort estimation based on the calculated rate.
Example Calculation
If a gust of wind moves a leaf 100 meters in 5 seconds, what is the rate? Using our formula:
Rate = 100 meters / 5 seconds = 20 m/s
Converting this to km/h: 20 * 3.6 = 72 km/h. This would be considered a "Strong Gale" on the Beaufort Scale.