What does m/s mean?
| Meaning | Metres per Second |
|---|---|
| Category | Science & engineering |
| Type | Symbol |
The symbol m/s means metres per second, a unit of speed or velocity. The slash means per: a speed of 1 m/s corresponds to one metre travelled in one second.
In physics and motion exercises, preserve the complete speed unit m/s. NIST lists m/s for speed and velocity, and m/s² for acceleration. Retain the slash and any exponent: ms without a slash is a time unit, while MS before a vessel name can be a ship prefix. A speed value does not supply direction by itself; a velocity description needs the relevant directional information. A unit conversion changes how a value is expressed, not the evidence that produced it.
Meaning in context
- m
- Metre, the length unit.
- /s
- Per second; the slash expresses division by time.
Practical examples
Keep the slash
- Before
8 m/s is a duration of eight milliseconds.
- After
8 m/s is a speed value; 8 ms is a duration.
Removing the slash changes the quantity.
Separate speed and acceleration
- Before
A speed reading of 8 m/s is already an acceleration of 8 m/s².
- After
Speed and acceleration use different units; preserve the stated exponent.
A velocity change per time is different from the speed value alone.
Original illustrative examples, not quotations or reports of actual events.
Use m/s with clarity
What does m/s mean, and why is it different from ms or m/s²?
See all guidance
Read a speed
Keep number and unit.
The illustrated speed is 8 m/s.
Compare notation
Preserve the exponent.
m/s and m/s² label different quantities.
Describe velocity
Keep direction separately stated.
A speed magnitude alone supplies no direction.
Keep the slash and distinguish speed, elapsed time and acceleration.
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Spot a mistake or have a clearer example? Suggest a change.
By AcronymIndex Editorial Team · Editorial policy