Sound in air
Sound in air is the propagation of pressure waves through the atmosphere, which can be heard by humans and animals.
Also known as: speed of sound
How big is it?
1,235 km/h · speed
Also 767.3 mph
Speed · approximate
A little perspective
Sound in air vs Boeing 747-8: speed comparison
The speed of sound in air is about 1.34 times the speed of the Boeing 747-8.
DISTANCE IN ONE SECOND
Sound in air is the propagation of pressure waves through the atmosphere, which can be heard by humans and animals.
343 m in 1 s
The Boeing 747-8 is a long-range, wide-body commercial airliner used for transporting passengers and cargo.
255.6 m in 1 s
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Sound in air
Speed: 1,235 km/h; approximate.
Approximately 343 m/s in dry air at 20 °C. Mach numbers use this stated local sound speed.
The marked speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Boeing 747-8
Speed: 920 km/h; specified.
Lufthansa’s 747-8 reference configuration. Mass is maximum takeoff mass, not empty mass; 920 km/h is a quoted cruise speed.
Lufthansa — Boeing 747-8 specifications
The marked speed is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
Change your perspective
Put it next to…
Choose a suggestion to redraw the comparison, or open its page to learn what it is.
Why this measurement?
Why we use 1,235 km/h
We compare the speed of sound in air. This is an estimate; check the notes for its rounding and uncertainty.
Approximately 343 m/s in dry air at 20 °C. Mach numbers use this stated local sound speed.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,235 km/h | Not recorded | approximate |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueVehicles and transportBoeing 747-8920 km/hSpeedThe Boeing 747-8 is a long-range, wide-body commercial airliner used for transporting passengers and cargo.
Around the same scaleVehicles and transportAntonov An-225 Mriya792 km/hRepresentative cruise speedThe Antonov An-225 Mriya was a Ukrainian-built cargo aircraft designed to transport extremely heavy and oversized loads.
Nearest higher valueMotion and speedEarth equator rotational speed1,674 km/hRepresentative surface speedEarth equator rotational speed is the velocity at which a point on the equator moves eastward due to Earth's rotation.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA Glenn — Speed of soundSound speed depends on medium and temperature. Mach comparisons here use dry air at 20 °C, approximately 343 m/s.
More ways to see it
Curated comparisons
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
MotionWalking1.389 m/sWalking is a form of human locomotion where one foot is always in contact with the ground.
MotionInternational Space Station28,160 km/hThe International Space Station is a large habitable satellite that orbits Earth and serves as a research laboratory.MotionLight in vacuum100% of c (1c)Light in vacuum is electromagnetic radiation that travels through empty space without any material medium.TransportBoeing 747-876.3 mThe Boeing 747-8 is a long-range, wide-body commercial airliner used for transporting passengers and cargo.MotionEarth equator rotational speed1,674 km/hEarth equator rotational speed is the velocity at which a point on the equator moves eastward due to Earth's rotation.TransportAntonov An-225 Mriya84 mThe Antonov An-225 Mriya was a Ukrainian-built cargo aircraft designed to transport extremely heavy and oversized loads.
TransportConcorde62.1 mConcorde was a supersonic passenger airliner developed by British and French manufacturers that could travel faster than the speed of sound.
MotionBullet2,880 km/hA bullet is a small metal projectile fired from a gun or rifle.