Speed of Sound - Online Calculator

The speed of sound in air (or in other gases) can be expressed as

c = (k p / ρ)^1/2

    = (k R T)^1/2                      (1)

where

c = speed of sound (m/s, ft/s)

k = ratio of specific heats (adiabatic index, isentropic expansion factor)

p = pressure (Pa, psi)

R = 286.9 (J/kg K) = 1,716 (ft lb/slug ^oR) = individual gas constant specific for air

T = absolute temperature (K, R)

The calculators below can be used to estimate the speed of sound in air at temperatures close to 273.15 K (0^oC, 32^oF).

Speed of Sound - SI Units

k - ratio of specific heats

R - individual gas constant (J/kg K)

T - absolute temperature (K)

Speed of Sound - Imperial Units

k - ratio of specific heats

R - individual gas constant (ft lb/slug ^oR)

T - absolute temperature (R)

Example - Speed of Sound in Air

The individual gas constant for air is 286.9 J/kgK and the ratio of specific heat is 1.4. The speed of sound at 0 ^oC (273.15 K) can be calculated as

c = (1.4 (286.9 J/kgK) (273.15 K))^1/2

   = 331.2 m/s

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