By Zencalcy Editorial TeamLast reviewed About us
A wheel rolling without slipping moves forward by exactly one circumference per revolution, which links its linear speed to its angular speed through v = ωr. A larger wheel covers more ground per turn, so it spins more slowly at the same road speed.
Linear speed, angular speed or radius for rolling without slipping.
v = ω r
v is the centre-of-mass speed in m/s, ω the angular speed in rad/s and r the rolling radius in metres. The relation holds only when the wheel does not slip.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| v | Linear speed of the wheel centre, in m/s. |
| ω | Angular speed, in rad/s. |
| r | Rolling radius, in metres. |
The road speed is 10 × 0.3 = 3 m/s, about 10.8 km/h. At 100 km/h the same wheel would spin at 92.6 rad/s, or 884 rpm.
Continue with the Rotational Kinetic Energy Calculator, Rotational Kinematics Calculator, or the Rotational Power Calculator — or browse more rotational and periodic motion tools and all physics calculators.
The contact point is instantaneously at rest relative to the road. If the wheel spins faster than the road speed allows, it slips and the simple relation no longer applies.
Results are computed from the standard equations of classical mechanics. Unit conversions use the SI definitions published by NIST. Air resistance is ignored unless the calculator names a drag model.
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Content updated: September 2026