Pitot Tube Velocity Calculator
Reviewed by Hamza Gujjar, Algorithm Architect & Software Developer
Last updated: July 26, 2026Pitot Tube Velocity Calculator
A Pitot tube measures flow velocity indirectly, by capturing the pressure difference created when flow is brought to a stop at the tube's tip - the same basic principle behind most aircraft airspeed indicators.
Formula: v = √(2ΔP / ρ)
Example: a 500 Pa stagnation-static pressure difference in standard air (1.225 kg/m³) indicates a velocity of about 28.6 m/s.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the measured pressure difference between the stagnation port and static port.
- Enter fluid density (1.225 kg/m³ for standard sea-level air).
This same square-root relationship is exactly why Pitot-based airspeed indicators are less sensitive at low speeds than at high speeds - the same absolute pressure change corresponds to a smaller velocity change at low speed than at high speed.