Speed to Overtake by Distance

The Speed to Overtake by Distance calculator computes the average speed required to overtake a vehicle based on the speed of the vehicle, the head start, and the total distance.

INSTRUCTION: Choose units and enter the following:

• (h)  Distance between Vehicles (i.e. the head start)
• (V₁) Velocity of Chase Vehicle
• (d) Distance over which Chase Vehicle must catch Lead Vehicle

Speed to Overtake (V₁) The calculator returns the speed in miles per hour.  However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

Related Calculators

• Time to Overtake: Computes the distance in which the overtake will occur at constant velocities.
• Distance to Overtake: Computes the distance in which the overtake will occur at constant velocities.
• Speed to Overtake by a Distance: Computes the speed required to intercept within a distance boundary.
• Speed to Overtake in Time: Computes the speed required to intercept within a time boundary.

The Math / Science

The formula for the speed required to overtake is:

        V₁  = (d•V₂) / (d - h)

where:

• V₁ is the velocity or speed to overtake
• d is the distance required at the specified velocities for vehicle 1 to overtake vehicle 2.
• h is the distance between the vehicles or the head-start.
• V₂ is the velocity of vehicle two.

Vehicle Calculators

• Approach (Departure) Angle: Computes the maximum angle of a ramp onto which a vehicle can climb without scraping.
• Degree to Percent Grade: Converts a grade to a degree angle.
• Camber angle - Wheel camber (tilt) calculation of angle
• Camber offset - Wheel camber (tilt) calculation of offset
• Breakover Angle: Compute maximum angle that a vehicle can drive over without the ground touching the vehicle's undercarriage.  
• Time to Overtake: Computes the time for one object to overtake another.
• Distance to Overtake: Computes distance traveled to overtake another.
• Speed to Overtake: Computes the average velocity to overtake another.
• Distance Traveled: Computes the distance traveled over a period of time.
• Speed from Skid Marks: Estimates the speed of a vehicle based on length of skid marks.
• Braking Distance: Estimates distance to stop a vehicle based on initial velocity and braking coefficient.
• Total Stopping Distance: Computes the distance to stop a vehicle based on the initial velocity, reaction time and a braking coefficient.
• Speed from the Braking Distance: Estimates the initial speed based on the distance to stop a vehicle and the a braking coefficient.
• Used Car Price Comparison: Estimates the better value between two vehicles based on their mileage, cost and expected lifespan (miles).
• Belt Length: Computes the length of a belt that goes around two pulleys based on the pulley diameters and the distance between the axles.
• Belt Speed: Computes the speed at which a linear length of belt travels around a pulley  based on the diameter of the pulley and the rotation rate.
• Pulley RPMs: Computes the RPMs of a pulley based on the belt speed and diameter of the pulley.
• 2nd Pulley RPMs: Computes the RPMs of a second pulley based on the the RPMs and Diameter of the first pulley and the diameter of the second pulley.
• 2nd Pulley Diameter: Computes the diameter of a second pulley based on the RPMs and diameter of the first pulley and the RPMs of the second pulley.
• RPM of 4th pulley on three shafts: Computes the RPMs (rotation rate) of a pulley when the RPM and Diameters are known for a series of pulleys on three axles.
• 2nd Gear RPM: Calculates the RPMs of a second gear when the RPMs and number of teeth are known for the first gear and the number of teeth of the second gear is known,
• 2nd Gear Torque: Calculates the torque of a second gear when the torque and number of teeth are known for the first gear and the number of teeth of the second gear is known,