Earth equator rotational speed
Earth equator rotational speed is the velocity at which a point on the equator moves eastward due to Earth's rotation.
Also known as: equatorial rotation speed
How big is it?
1,674 km/h · representative surface speed
Also 1,040 mph
Representative surface speed · derived rounded anchor
Typical recorded range: 1,674 km/h to 1,678 km/h.
A little perspective
Earth equator rotational speed vs Concorde: speed comparison
The cruising speed of Concorde is about 1.29 times the rotational speed at Earth’s equator.
DISTANCE IN ONE SECOND
Earth equator rotational speed is the velocity at which a point on the equator moves eastward due to Earth's rotation.
465.1 m in 1 s
Concorde was a supersonic passenger airliner developed by British and French manufacturers that could travel faster than the speed of sound.
600 m in 1 s
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Earth equator rotational speed
Representative surface speed: 1,674 km/h; derived rounded anchor; range 1,674 km/h–1,678 km/h.
A point on Earth’s equator moves eastward at about 465.1 m/s relative to the rotation axis. Latitude reduces surface speed and this is distinct from Earth’s orbital motion.
The marked representative surface speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Concorde
Cruising speed: 2,160 km/h; specified.
British Airways’ Concorde specification: 62.1 m long, 25.5 m span, 11.3 m high, 185 t maximum takeoff mass and about 2,160 km/h cruise. Operating mass and speed varied.
British Airways — Celebrating Concorde
The marked cruising speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1,674 km/h
We compare the rotational speed at Earth’s equator. This is a rounded comparison value; check the notes for its source and scope. The recorded range is 1,674 km/h to 1,678 km/h.
A point on Earth’s equator moves eastward at about 465.1 m/s relative to the rotation axis. Latitude reduces surface speed and this is distinct from Earth’s orbital motion.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,674 km/h | 1,674 km/h to 1,678 km/h | derived rounded anchor |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueMotion and speedSound in air1,235 km/hSpeedSound in air is the propagation of pressure waves through the atmosphere, which can be heard by humans and animals.
Around the same scaleMotion and speedBullet2,880 km/hSpeedA bullet is a small metal projectile fired from a gun or rifle.
Nearest higher valueVehicles and transportConcorde2,160 km/hCruising speedConcorde was a supersonic passenger airliner developed by British and French manufacturers that could travel faster than the speed of sound.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA — Earth factsEarth rotation and dimensions support a rounded equatorial surface-speed anchor.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
SpaceEarth12,740 kmEarth is the rocky planet on which we live and the third planet from the Sun.MotionEarth orbiting the Sun107,200 km/hEarth orbiting the Sun is the motion of our planet as it revolves around the Sun along its elliptical path.MotionSound in air1,235 km/hSound in air is the propagation of pressure waves through the atmosphere, which can be heard by humans and animals.TransportConcorde62.1 mConcorde was a supersonic passenger airliner developed by British and French manufacturers that could travel faster than the speed of sound.
TransportBoeing 747-876.3 mThe Boeing 747-8 is a long-range, wide-body commercial airliner used for transporting passengers and cargo.MotionBullet2,880 km/hA bullet is a small metal projectile fired from a gun or rifle.
TransportLockheed SR-71 Blackbird32.7 mThe Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird is a long-range, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft developed for the United States Air Force during the Cold War.
TransportAntonov An-225 Mriya84 mThe Antonov An-225 Mriya was a Ukrainian-built cargo aircraft designed to transport extremely heavy and oversized loads.