Sound Velocity Calculator: Speed of Sound in Dif...
Calculate the speed of sound in gases, liquids, and solids. Learn how temperature, density, and elasticity affect how fast sound travels through different materials.
What is the Speed of Sound?
The speed of sound varies dramatically depending on the medium — it is approximately 343 m/s in air at 20°C, 1,480 m/s in water, and 5,120 m/s in steel. It depends on the medium's elasticity and density: stiffer, less dense materials transmit sound faster.
🔊 Sound Velocity Calculator
Use our free calculator for instant, accurate results.
📐 Formula
v = √(E/ρ)
E = elastic modulus (Pa) — bulk modulus for gases/liquids, Young's modulus for solids. ρ = density (kg/m³). In air: v = 331 + 0.6×T(°C) m/s.
📝 Worked Example
Speed of sound in air at 20°C:
v = 331 + 0.6×20 = 343 m/s
In water at 20°C: v ≈ 1,481 m/s
In steel: v ≈ 5,120 m/s
📝 How to Use the Calculator
❓ FAQ
Why does sound travel faster in solids than gases?
Solids have much higher elastic moduli (stiffness) that more than compensate for their higher density. In steel, E/ρ is far larger than in air.
Can sound travel in a vacuum?
No. Sound is a mechanical wave requiring a medium. Space is (essentially) silent.
Veer Kumavat
Founder & AuthorVeer is a 14-year-old student from Nashik, Maharashtra, who built SciFi Calculators to help students worldwide master STEM subjects. He is passionate about making complex science and math problems accessible through intuitive digital tools.