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).
Difference Between Rate and Speed
Table of Contents
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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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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba 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.