Speed to Overtake in Time

The Speed to Overtake in Time 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
• (t) Time in 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.

NOTE: This works if the lead vehicle is heading back.  Just use a negative velocity and it will tell the velocity to intersect in the specified time.

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 in time is:

        V₁  = V₂ + h/t

where:

• V₁ is the velocity or speed to overtake
• t is the time when vehicle 1 must overtake vehicle 2.
• h is the distance between the vehicles or the head-start.
• V₂ is the velocity of vehicle two.