Speed vs Velocity: what's the difference?
GCSE Physics
Both measure how fast something moves, but velocity also includes direction.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Speed vs Velocity — side by side
| Speed | Velocity | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of quantity | Scalar (size only) | Vector (size + direction) |
| Includes direction? | No | Yes |
| Unit | m/s | m/s |
| Can it be negative? | No | Yes (opposite direction) |
Exam tip — how to tell them apart: Velocity = speed + direction. If a question mentions direction (or a change of direction at constant speed), it wants velocity.
Common trap: An object going round a circle at constant speed has a changing velocity, because its direction changes.
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