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 (0oC, 32oF).
Speed of Sound - SI Units
Speed of Sound - Imperial Units
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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