Speed of Sound Calculator
Calculate the speed of sound in air at any temperature or in water, steel, and other materials.
🎵 Physics📐 v = 331.3 + 0.606T m/s (air)
Temperature (°C)
Medium
Please enter valid values.
Formula & Reference
| Variable | Formula | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Speed of Sound Calculator | v = 331.3 + 0.606T m/s (air) | m/s |
Step-by-Step Examples
Example 1
Air at 20°C
20°C, air.
- v = 331.3 + 0.606×20 = 343.4 m/s
- = 1,235 km/h = Mach 1 at sea level
✓ 343.4 m/s
Example 2
Cold Air -20°C
-20°C, air.
- v = 331.3 + 0.606×(-20) = 319.2 m/s
✓ 319.2 m/s
Example 3
Underwater
Fresh water.
- v ≈ 1,480 m/s — 4.3× faster than air!
✓ 1,480 m/s
Real-World Applications
Acoustics Engineers
Calculate sound propagation.
Thunder Distance
Calculate distance from lightning via thunder delay.
Physics Students
Learn how sound speed varies.
Sonar Engineers
Sound propagation in water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️
343 m/s isn't always right
343 m/s is only for air at 20°C. Increases 0.6 m/s per °C.
⚠️
Sound can't travel in vacuum
Sound needs a medium. Light (EM) can travel through vacuum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Distance from lightning? ▾
Count seconds between flash and thunder × 343 m ≈ 1/3 km per second.
Why faster in water? ▾
Water is nearly incompressible — sound travels faster despite higher density.
What is Mach? ▾
Mach 1 = local speed of sound. Varies with temperature and medium.