Enter the actual velocity of an object and the velocity of an observer into the calculator to determine the perceived velocity of the object relative to the observer.

Perceived Velocity Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the perceived velocity:

PV = AV - OV

Variables:

  • PV is the perceived velocity (m/s)
  • AV is the actual velocity of the object (m/s)
  • OV is the observer’s velocity (m/s)

To calculate the perceived velocity, subtract the observer’s velocity from the actual velocity of the object.

What is Perceived Velocity?

Perceived velocity is the velocity of an object as it appears to an observer who is also in motion. It is the relative velocity between the observer and the object. This concept is important in various fields such as physics, astronomy, and transportation, where understanding the relative motion between two objects is necessary.

How to Calculate Perceived Velocity?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Perceived Velocity.


  1. First, determine the actual velocity of the object (AV) in meters per second.
  2. Next, determine the observer’s velocity (OV) in meters per second.
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = PV = AV – OV.
  4. Finally, calculate the Perceived Velocity (PV) in meters per second.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

actual velocity of the object (AV) = 30 m/s

observer’s velocity (OV) = 10 m/s