How to Calculate an Oval Track Average Lap Speed

To calculate your average oval track lap speed, you need to know the times of each lap and the size of the track. Then you can apply some basic physics to make your calculation. This is useful in racing because you can get an idea of how fast you were going during a race. Figuring your average speed on a track also can help you improve your times.

Instructions

    • 1

      Add together all of your lap times in a run or race, then divide the result by the number of laps completed. This is your average lap speed. For example, assume your times in a three-lap race were 10 minutes, 11 minutes and 10.5 minutes. So, 10 + 11 + 10.5 = 31.5. Then, 31.5 ÷ 3 = an average time of 10.5 minutes.

    • 2

      Find the length of the track. In the example, assume the track is 1 mile long.

    • 3

      Divide the distance by the time to calculate miles per minute. In the example, 1 mile ÷ 10.5 minutes = 0.095238095 miles per minute.

    • 4

      Multiply the miles per minute by 60 to convert to miles per hour. In the example, 0.095238095 x 60 = an average of 5.71 mph.