Bowling Ball Speed Formula Explained
Learn the bowling ball speed formula: Speed = Distance ÷ Time. Includes conversion to mph and km/h, worked examples, and how to measure without a speed gun.
The bowling ball speed formula is based on basic physics: average speed equals distance traveled divided by time. No speed gun is required — you only need a stopwatch and the lane distance.
Use our Bowling Ball Speed Calculator to get your speed instantly.
The Formula
Speed (ft/s) = Distance (ft) ÷ Time (s)
To convert to miles per hour:
Speed (mph) = Speed (ft/s) × 0.68182
To convert to kilometers per hour:
Speed (km/h) = Speed (mph) × 1.60934
One-Step Formula
For a 60 ft lane, you can combine the steps:
mph = (60 ÷ Time in seconds) × 0.68182
Or more generally:
mph = (Distance in feet ÷ Time in seconds) × 0.68182
Where the 0.68182 Comes From
- 1 mile = 5280 feet
- 1 hour = 3600 seconds
- So: 1 ft/s = (3600 ÷ 5280) mph = 0.68182 mph
Worked Example
Inputs: 60 ft distance, 2.8 seconds travel time
- Speed in ft/s: 60 ÷ 2.8 = 21.43 ft/s
- Speed in mph: 21.43 × 0.68182 = 14.6 mph
- Speed in km/h: 14.6 × 1.60934 = 23.5 km/h
What the Formula Measures
The formula gives average lane speed — the ball's speed over the measured distance. The ball decelerates slightly from release to pins, so your release speed is roughly 2–3 mph higher than the result.
Related Tools and Articles
- Bowling Ball Speed Calculator — instant calculation
- How to Measure Bowling Ball Speed — step-by-step guide
- Bowling Ball Speed Chart — speed ranges by skill level