Ask Difference

Rate vs. Speed — What's the Difference?

By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 7, 2023
Rate measures how one quantity changes concerning another (e.g., miles/gallon). Speed measures distance covered over time (e.g., miles/hour).
Rate vs. Speed — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Rate and Speed

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Key Differences

Rate refers to the ratio between two different quantities, while Speed specifically denotes how fast an object is moving. Rate could be applied in various contexts, but Speed is primarily about movement.
In financial contexts, Rate could indicate interest, exchange, or growth, like the rate of return. Speed, on the other hand, might not have direct relevance unless perhaps discussing the speed of a transaction or data transfer.
In physics, Rate can be used to explain reactions or energy transfers, like the rate of heat transfer. Speed specifically relates to the velocity of an object, indicating how quickly it moves from one point to another.
Rate often requires two different units for comparison, like "miles per gallon" or "dollars per hour". In contrast, Speed typically has a distance unit divided by a time unit, like "miles per hour".
In everyday conversations, one might ask about the Rate of consumption or production. But when inquiring about how quickly someone is driving or running, they're asking about Speed.
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Comparison Chart

Definition

Ratio between two quantities
Distance covered over time

Unit Example

Miles per gallon
Miles per hour

Contextual Usage

Interest rate
Speed of a car

Requires

Two different units
Distance unit & time unit

Commonly Associated

Consumption, growth
Movement, velocity

Compare with Definitions

Rate

A charge or payment calculated in relation to a particular sum or quantity
Interest rates.

Speed

The swiftness of a course of action.
The speed of the decision surprised everyone.

Rate

To set a rate for (goods to be shipped).

Speed

In everyday use and in kinematics, the speed (commonly referred to as v) of an object is the magnitude of the rate of change of its position with time or the magnitude of the change of its position per unit of time; it is thus a scalar quantity. The average speed of an object in an interval of time is the distance travelled by the object divided by the duration of the interval; the instantaneous speed is the limit of the average speed as the duration of the time interval approaches zero.

Rate

A measure of a change in quantity.
The rate of inflation has increased this year.

Speed

The rate at which someone or something moves or operates or is able to move or operate
We turned on to the runway and began to gather speed
The car has a top speed of 147 mph
An engine running at full speed

Rate

A fixed price paid or charged for something.
The hourly rate for the job is $20.

Speed

Each of the possible gear ratios of a bicycle.

Rate

The regular pace of something.
His heart's rate was alarmingly high.

Speed

The light-gathering power or f-number of a camera lens.

Rate

A quantity measured with respect to another measured quantity
A rate of speed of 60 miles an hour.

Speed

An amphetamine drug, especially methamphetamine.

Rate

A measure of a part with respect to a whole; a proportion
The mortality rate.
A tax rate.

Speed

Success; prosperity
Wish me good speed

Rate

The cost per unit of a commodity or service
Postal rates.

Speed

Move quickly
I got into the car and home we sped

Rate

Level of quality.

Speed

Make prosperous or successful
May God speed you

Rate

Often rates Chiefly British A locally assessed property tax.

Speed

Take or be under the influence of an amphetamine drug
More kids than ever are speeding, tripping, and getting stoned

Rate

To place in a particular class, rank, or grade
Rated the film PG13.
Rated the bonds at junk level.

Speed

Distance traveled divided by the time of travel.

Rate

To specify the performance limits of, especially according to a standard scale
This fuse is rated at 50 amperes. The fishing line is rated for 30 pounds.

Speed

The limit of this quotient as the time of travel becomes vanishingly small; the first derivative of distance with respect to time.

Rate

To regard or consider as having a certain value
Rated the movie excellent.
Rated him a fine cook.

Speed

The magnitude of a velocity.

Rate

Chiefly British To value for purposes of taxation.

Speed

Swiftness of action
He wrote the first chapter with great speed.

Rate

(Informal) To merit or deserve
People that rate special treatment.
An idea that rates attention.

Speed

The act of moving rapidly
Finished the race in a burst of speed.

Rate

To be ranked in a particular class
A wine that rates higher than any other.

Speed

The state of being in rapid motion; rapidity
The river's speed made a rescue difficult.

Rate

(Informal) To have status, importance, or influence
Tea-flavored ice cream doesn't rate highly in my book.

Speed

A transmission gear or set of gears in a motor vehicle
What speed is the car in now?.

Rate

To berate.

Speed

A numerical expression of the sensitivity of a photographic film, plate, or paper to light.

Rate

To express reproof.

Speed

The capacity of a lens to accumulate light at an appropriate aperture.

Rate

(obsolete) The worth of something; value.

Speed

The length of time required or permitted for a camera shutter to open and admit light.

Rate

The proportional relationship between one amount, value etc. and another.
At the height of his powers, he was producing pictures at the rate of four a year.

Speed

(Slang) A stimulant drug, especially amphetamine or methamphetamine.

Rate

Speed.
The car was speeding down here at a hell of a rate.

Speed

(Slang) One that suits or appeals to a person's inclinations, skills, or character
Living in a large city is not my speed.

Rate

The relative speed of change or progress.
The rate of production at the factory is skyrocketing.

Speed

(Archaic) Prosperity; luck.

Rate

The price of (an individual) thing; cost.
He asked quite a rate to take me to the airport.

Speed

To go, move, or proceed quickly
Sped to the rescue.

Rate

A set price or charge for all examples of a given case, commodity, service etc.
Postal rates here are low.

Speed

To drive at a speed exceeding a legal limit
Was speeding on the freeway.

Rate

A wage calculated in relation to a unit of time.
We pay an hourly rate of between $10 – $15 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.

Speed

To pass quickly
The days sped by. The months have sped along.

Rate

Any of various taxes, especially those levied by a local authority.
I hardly have enough left every month to pay the rates.

Speed

To move, work, or happen at a faster rate; accelerate
His pulse speeded up.

Rate

(nautical) A class into which ships were assigned based on condition, size etc.; by extension, rank.
This textbook is first-rate.

Speed

(Slang) To be under the influence of a stimulant drug.

Rate

(obsolete) Established portion or measure; fixed allowance; ration.

Speed

To prove successful; prosper.

Rate

(obsolete) Order; arrangement.

Speed

To get along in a specified manner; fare.

Rate

(obsolete) Ratification; approval.

Speed

To cause to move or proceed quickly; hasten
No wind to speed the boat.

Rate

(horology) The gain or loss of a timepiece in a unit of time.
Daily rate; hourly rate; etc.

Speed

To increase the speed or rate of; accelerate. Often used with up
Speed up a car.
Sped up production.

Rate

(transitive) To assign or be assigned a particular rank or level.
She is rated fourth in the country.

Speed

To further, promote, or expedite (a legal action, for example).

Rate

(transitive) To evaluate or estimate the value of.
They rate his talents highly.

Speed

(Archaic) To help to succeed or prosper; aid.

Rate

(transitive) To consider or regard.
He rated this book brilliant.

Speed

The state of moving quickly or the capacity for rapid motion.
How does Usain Bolt run at that speed?

Rate

(transitive) To deserve; to be worth.
The view here hardly rates a mention in the travel guide.

Speed

The rate of motion or action, specifically the magnitude of the velocity; the rate distance is traversed in a given time.
Speed limits provide information to the drivers about the safe speed to travel in average conditions.

Rate

(transitive) To determine the limits of safe functioning for a machine or electrical device.
The transformer is rated at 10 watts.

Speed

(photography) The sensitivity to light of film, plates or sensor.

Rate

To evaluate a property's value for the purposes of local taxation.

Speed

(photography) The duration of exposure, the time during which a camera shutter is open (shutter speed).

Rate

To like; to think highly of.
The customers don't rate the new burgers.

Speed

(photography) The largest size of the lens opening at which a lens can be used.

Rate

(intransitive) To have position (in a certain class).
She rates among the most excellent chefs in the world.
He rates as the best cyclist in the country.

Speed

(photography) The ratio of the focal length to the diameter of a photographic objective.

Rate

(intransitive) To have value or standing.
This last performance of hers didn't rate very high with the judges.

Speed

Amphetamine or any amphetamine-based drug (especially methamphetamine) used as a stimulant, especially illegally.

Rate

(transitive) To ratify.

Speed

(archaic) Luck, success, prosperity.

Rate

To ascertain the exact rate of the gain or loss of (a chronometer) as compared with true time.

Speed

(slang) Personal preference.
We could go to the shore next week, or somewhere else if that's not your speed.

Rate

(transitive) To berate, scold.

Speed

A third-order measure of derivative price sensitivity, expressed as the rate of change of gamma with respect to changes in the underlying asset price.

Rate

To chide with vehemence; to scold; to censure violently; to berate.
Go, rate thy minions, proud, insulting boy!
Conscience is a check to beginners in sin, reclaiming them from it, and rating them for it.

Speed

(film) Called by the soundman when the recording equipment has reached running speed and is ready to go.

Rate

To set a certain estimate on; to value at a certain price or degree.
To rate a man by the nature of his companions is a rule frequent indeed, but not infallible.
You seem not high enough your joys to rate.

Speed

To succeed; to prosper, be lucky.

Rate

To assess for the payment of a rate or tax.

Speed

To help someone, to give them fortune; to aid or favour.
God speed, until we meet again.

Rate

To settle the relative scale, rank, position, amount, value, or quality of; as, to rate a ship; to rate a seaman; to rate a pension.

Speed

(intransitive) To go fast.
The Ferrari was speeding along the road.

Rate

To ratify.

Speed

(intransitive) To exceed the speed limit.
Why do you speed when the road is so icy?

Rate

To be set or considered in a class; to have rank; as, the ship rates as a ship of the line.

Speed

(transitive) To increase the rate at which something occurs.

Rate

To make an estimate.

Speed

To be under the influence of stimulant drugs, especially amphetamines.

Rate

Established portion or measure; fixed allowance.
The one right feeble through the evil rateOf food which in her duress she had found.

Speed

(obsolete) To be expedient.

Rate

That which is established as a measure or criterion; degree; standard; rank; proportion; ratio; as, a slow rate of movement; rate of interest is the ratio of the interest to the principal, per annum.
Heretofore the rate and standard of wit was different from what it is nowadays.
In this did his holiness and godliness appear above the rate and pitch of other men's, in that he was so . . . merciful.
Many of the horse could not march at that rate, nor come up soon enough.

Speed

(archaic) To hurry to destruction; to put an end to; to ruin.

Rate

Valuation; price fixed with relation to a standard; cost; charge; as, high or low rates of transportation.
They come at dear rates from Japan.

Speed

(archaic) To wish success or good fortune to, in any undertaking, especially in setting out upon a journey.

Rate

A tax or sum assessed by authority on property for public use, according to its income or value; esp., in England, a local tax; as, parish rates; town rates.

Speed

To cause to make haste; to dispatch with celerity; to drive at full speed; hence, to hasten; to hurry.

Rate

Order; arrangement.
Thus sat they all around in seemly rate.

Speed

To hasten to a conclusion; to expedite.

Rate

Ratification; approval.

Speed

Prosperity in an undertaking; favorable issue; success.
O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day.

Rate

The gain or loss of a timepiece in a unit of time; as, daily rate; hourly rate; etc.

Speed

The act or state of moving swiftly; swiftness; velocity; rapidly; rate of motion; dispatch; as, the speed a horse or a vessel.
Speed, to describe whose swiftness number fails.

Rate

The order or class to which a war vessel belongs, determined according to its size, armament, etc.; as, first rate, second rate, etc.

Speed

One who, or that which, causes or promotes speed or success.

Rate

Amount of a charge or payment relative to some basis;
A 10-minute phone call at that rate would cost $5

Speed

To go; to fare.
To warn him now he is too farre sped.

Rate

A magnitude or frequency relative to a time unit;
They traveled at a rate of 55 miles per hour
The rate of change was faster than expected

Speed

To experience in going; to have any condition, good or ill; to fare.
Ships heretofore in seas like fishes sped; The mightiest still upon the smallest fed.

Rate

The relative speed of progress or change;
He lived at a fast pace
He works at a great rate
The pace of events accelerated

Speed

To fare well; to have success; to prosper.
Save London, and send true lawyers their meed!For whoso wants money with them shall not speed!
I told ye then he should prevail, and speedOn his bad errand.

Rate

Assign a rank or rating to;
How would you rank these students?
The restaurant is rated highly in the food guide

Speed

To make haste; to move with celerity.
I have speeded hither with the very extremest inch of possibility.

Rate

Be worthy of or have a certain rating;
This bond rates highly

Speed

To be expedient.

Rate

Estimate the value of;
How would you rate his chances to become President?
Gold was rated highly among the Romans

Speed

To cause to be successful, or to prosper; hence, to aid; to favor.
With rising gales that speed their happy flight.

Rate

The speed at which something happens over a particular period.
The rate of production has doubled.

Speed

To cause to make haste; to dispatch with celerity; to drive at full speed; hence, to hasten; to hurry.
He sped him thence home to his habitation.

Rate

A measure expressing a relation between two quantities.
The success rate is 80%.

Speed

To hasten to a conclusion; to expedite.
Judicial acts . . . are sped in open court at the instance of one or both of the parties.

Speed

To hurry to destruction; to put an end to; to ruin; to undo.
A dire dilemma! either way I 'm sped.If foes, they write, if friends, they read, me dead.

Speed

To wish success or god fortune to, in any undertaking, especially in setting out upon a journey.
Welcome the coming, speed the parting guest.

Speed

Distance travelled per unit time

Speed

A rate (usually rapid) at which something happens;
The project advanced with gratifying speed

Speed

Changing location rapidly

Speed

The ratio of the focal length to the diameter of a (camera) lens system

Speed

A central nervous system stimulant that increases energy and decreases appetite; used to treat narcolepsy and some forms of depression

Speed

Step on it;
He rushed down the hall to receive his guests
The cars raced down the street

Speed

Move faster;
The car accelerated

Speed

Travel at an excessive or illegal velocity;
I got a ticket for speeding

Speed

Move very fast;
The runner zipped past us at breakneck speed

Speed

Cause to move faster;
He accelerated the car

Speed

The rate at which someone or something moves.
The car's speed was 60 mph.

Speed

The rate at which something operates or progresses.
The speed of the computer processor is impressive.

Speed

Rapid action or movement.
He finished the task with great speed.

Speed

The ability to move quickly.
Her speed in the race secured her the gold medal.

Common Curiosities

Do both Rate and Speed always involve time?

While Speed always involves time, Rate might not. It just involves two comparative quantities.

Can Rate be used in financial contexts?

Yes, terms like interest rate and exchange rate are common financial applications.

How can Rate be applied in physics?

In terms like rate of reaction or rate of energy transfer.

Is Speed only about movement?

Primarily, but it can also refer to the efficiency of an operation, like data transfer speed.

Is Speed the same as velocity?

Not exactly. Speed is scalar (magnitude only), while velocity is vector (magnitude and direction).

What's the primary difference between Rate and Speed?

Rate measures a change concerning another quantity, while Speed measures distance over time.

Can Rate be about growth?

Yes, like the growth rate of an investment or population.

Is Rate always a comparison of two different units?

Often, but not always. For instance, a "failure rate" might be expressed as a percentage.

How does one measure Speed in a car?

Typically in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h).

Can Speed be a measure of efficiency?

Yes, like in data transfer speed or the speed of a machine's operation.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Tayyaba Rehman
Tayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.

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