Distance calculations
Whether you're working out how far your friend lives, calculating the shortest route on a map, or analysing movement in physics, distance calculations help us measure how far apart things are. Understanding how to calculate distance is essential in both everyday life and many careers—from delivery driving to space exploration! Jump to the questions
Practise now
Calculate the distance traveled in each scenario using the formula Distance = Speed × Time.
Round answers to 1 decimal place if needed.
Topic guide
What this worksheet practises
This worksheet focuses on calculating distance using the Speed, Distance, and Time formula. This is a classic example of a compound measure. Calculating distance accurately is essential not only in mathematics but also in physics and everyday real-world travel planning.
Key method
The core relationship is given by the formula: Distance = Speed × Time.
- Identify the speed and the time given in the question.
- Check that the units match. If speed is in mph (miles per hour), your time must be in hours. If the time is given in minutes, you must convert it to hours first (by dividing by 60).
- Multiply the speed by the time.
- Ensure you include the correct unit for distance in your final answer (e.g. miles, kilometres, or metres).
Worked example
A train travels at a constant speed of 80 mph for 2 hours and 15 minutes. Calculate the distance travelled.
Step 1: Check the units. The speed is in miles per hour, but the time includes minutes. Convert the time entirely into hours.
15 minutes is 15/60 of an hour, which is 0.25 (a quarter).
So, Time = 2.25 hours.
Step 2: Use the formula Distance = Speed × Time.
Distance = 80 × 2.25.
Step 3: Perform the calculation.
80 × 2 = 160. A quarter of 80 is 20.
160 + 20 = 180.
The distance travelled is 180 miles.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most common error is ignoring unit conversions, particularly with time. Entering "2.15" into your calculator for 2 hours and 15 minutes is incorrect, because there are 60 minutes in an hour, not 100. Always convert minutes into a fraction or decimal out of 60.
Things to remember
A formula triangle can be very helpful here. Draw a triangle and put D at the top, and S and T at the bottom. Cover up the one you want to find (D), and you are left with S next to T, which means S × T.