How do you calculate instantaneous velocity?

Instantaneous velocity is the velocity at a specific moment in time. Mathematically:

v = lim(Δt→0) Δx/Δt or v = dx/dt

(the derivative of position with respect to time)

Practical approaches:

• For constant acceleration: v = u + at (where u is initial velocity, a is acceleration, t is time)
• From a velocity-time graph: the y-value at any point gives instantaneous velocity
• From a position-time graph: the slope of the tangent line at that point

Think of it this way: Instantaneous velocity is what your speedometer reads at any exact moment while driving.