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Tangential Velocity Calculator

Work out tangential velocity instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Tangential Velocity Calculator

Every point on a rotating body shares the same angular velocity but not the same linear speed: v = omega.r, so the rim moves faster than the hub. Converting 1200 rpm gives 125.7 rad/s, and at 0.15 m from the axis that is 18.85 m/s. This is why grinding wheels are rated by surface speed rather than rpm.

Formulas

Angular velocity from rpm

omega = 2 pi x rpm / 60

Tangential speed

v = omega x r

Worked example

With the default values below, Tangential Velocity Calculator returns Tangential Speed of 18.850. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Rotation rateminimum 0 rpm
1,200 rpm
Distance from the axisminimum 0 m
0.15 m

Results

Tangential Speed
18.850 m/s
Angular Velocity
125.664 rad/s
Same Speed In km/h
67.86
Centripetal Acceleration At That Radius
2,368.71 m/s2

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Angular velocity from rpm
  3. 3Tangential speed
  4. 4Tangential Speed= 18.850 m/s
  5. 5Angular Velocity= 125.664 rad/s
  6. 6Same Speed In km/h= 67.86
  7. 7Centripetal Acceleration At That Radius= 2,368.71 m/s2

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 2 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 3 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do larger wheels have lower safe rpm limits?

Because tangential speed scales with radius, and it is the surface speed that determines whether the material tears itself apart.

Is tangential speed the same as angular speed?

No. Angular speed is shared across the whole body; tangential speed depends on how far out you measure.

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