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
Also 767.3 mph
Speed · approximate
A little perspective
About 1.34 times the speed of Boeing 747-8.
Boeing 747-8: The Boeing 747-8 is a long-range, wide-body commercial airliner used for transporting passengers and cargo.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Sound in air
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
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.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1,235 km/h
For comparison, this page uses speed. This is labelled approximate; the central value is useful for comparison, while real values or measurement solutions can vary.
Approximately 343 m/s in dry air at 20 °C. Mach numbers use this stated local sound speed.
The identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Sound in air dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,235 km/h | Not recorded | approximate |
Around this scale
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible speed records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · TransportBoeing 747-8920 km/hThe Boeing 747-8 is a long-range, wide-body commercial airliner used for transporting passengers and cargo.
Around the same scale · TransportAntonov An-225 Mriya792 km/hThe Antonov An-225 Mriya was a Ukrainian-built cargo aircraft designed to transport extremely heavy and oversized loads.
Nearest higher value · 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.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 vacuum1 cLight 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.