Rate Calculation Practice Questions
Rate calculation questions test whether you can connect speed, distance, and time while keeping the units consistent. This page shows the core methods for converting between hours, minutes, seconds, kilometres, metres, miles, and yards.
The Rules Every Rate Calculation Question Uses
Most rate questions are manageable once the units match. These four moves cover the patterns used throughout the practice papers.
🚗 Rule 1: Speed = distance ÷ time
If you know the distance travelled and the time taken, divide distance by time to find the rate.
Example: 180 metres in 4 seconds gives 180 ÷ 4 = 45 metres per second
📏 Rule 2: Distance = speed × time
Once the speed is in the right unit, multiply by the time to find the distance travelled.
Example: 35 metres per second for 12 seconds gives 35 × 12 = 420 metres
⏱️ Rule 3: Time = distance ÷ speed
When a question asks how long something takes, divide the distance by the speed in matching units.
Example: 140 metres at 35 metres per second gives 140 ÷ 35 = 4 seconds
🔁 Rule 4: Convert units before using the formula
Use 1 kilometre = 1000 metres, 1 mile = 1760 yards, and 1 hour = 3600 seconds. Convert first, then calculate.
Example: 90 mph = 90 × 1760 = 158400 yards per hour
3 Worked Rate Calculation Examples
One straightforward, one multi-step, and one classic mistake to avoid.
1. Kilometres per Hour to Metres per Hour
Question: A high-speed train is travelling at 126 kilometres per hour. What is the speed of the train in metres per hour?
Worked Method
Step 1: 1 kilometre = 1000 metres, so multiply by 1000.
126 × 1000 = 126000 metres per hour
Tip: The time unit has not changed here. Only kilometres have changed into metres.
2. Finding Distance in One Minute
Question: A peregrine falcon is diving at 126 kilometres per hour. What distance does the falcon cover in one minute, measured in metres?
Worked Method
Step 1: Convert kilometres per hour to kilometres per minute: 126 ÷ 60 = 2.1 kilometres per minute.
Step 2: Convert kilometres to metres: 2.1 × 1000 = 2100 metres.
Tip: Dividing by 60 changes hours into minutes. Multiplying by 1000 changes kilometres into metres.
3. Finding Time from Distance and Speed
Question: A racing cyclist is travelling at 90 kilometres per hour. If the remaining distance to the finish line is 37.5 metres, calculate the time in seconds.
Worked Method
Step 1: Convert speed into metres per hour: 90 × 1000 = 90000 metres per hour.
Step 2: Convert metres per hour into metres per second: 90000 ÷ 3600 = 25 metres per second.
Step 3: Time = distance ÷ speed, so 37.5 ÷ 25 = 1.5 seconds.
Tip: The trap is dividing 37.5 by 90 directly. The distance is in metres and the answer is in seconds, so the speed must be metres per second first.
Before You Buy
Want to check the level and layout first? Download the free 3-question sample. It uses the same question style, printable format, and answer-key approach as the full pack.
Download Free Sample PDFGet the Full Practice Pack
The full Rate Calculations pack contains 90 questions across 3 printable test sets, with 270 sub-questions covering speed, distance, time, and unit conversion.
Checkout and downloads are securely handled on Etsy.com