Speed of sound calculator
This speed of sound calculator estimates the speed of sound in dry air and water based on the temperature you provide.
Speed of sound in dry air:
Speed of sound in water (approximately):
Related calculators:
What is the speed of sound?
The speed of sound is the rate at which sound waves travel through a medium. It depends on the medium’s properties—like density and temperature. Sound moves faster in solids, slower in liquids, and slowest in gases because molecules are closer together in solids, allowing vibrations to transmit more efficiently.
Speed of sound in air vs. water
| Medium | Speed of Sound (m/s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Air (20°C) | ~343 m/s | Varies with temperature, humidity, and pressure |
| Water (25°C) | ~1,497 m/s | Much faster due to higher density and elasticity |
- In air, the speed increases with temperature and humidity.
- In water, temperature and salinity can affect the speed.
How is it calculated?
In dry air:
The speed of sound in dry air can be approximated by the following simple formula:
v \approx 331 + 0.6 \times T
where T is the air temperature in °C. This gives a quick estimate that works well near room temperature.
A more accurate formula is the following:
v=331.3\times \sqrt{1+\frac{T}{273.15}}where:
- v is speed in m/s
- T is temperature in °C
This version is more precise and is derived from the physics of gases, accounting for molecular behavior as temperature changes.
In water:
A simplified empirical formula for fresh water (in °C) is:
v \approx 1402 + 4.7T - 0.04T^2
where T is in °C.
This gives a reasonable approximation between 0°C and 30°C.
Fun facts:
- Sound travels over 4x faster in water than in air.
- In steel, sound moves at over 5000 m/s!
- Ultrasound technology relies on sound speed in tissues for imaging.
- The speed of sound is also called Mach 1 in aerodynamics (~343 m/s at sea level).