What is the formula for calculating vertical speed?

The formula for calculating vertical speed is derived from basic principles of motion. Vertical speed measures how quickly an aircraft changes its altitude over a certain period of time. The correct formula, which is Change in Altitude divided by Elapsed Time, effectively gives you the rate of altitude change expressed in units such as feet per minute or meters per second.

When determining vertical speed, you need to quantify how much altitude has been gained or lost during a specific timeframe. This relationship is represented mathematically by taking the difference in altitude (the change in altitude) and dividing it by the duration (elapsed time) over which that change occurred.

This logical relationship emphasizes that vertical speed is fundamentally a rate of change, providing essential information for pilots as they monitor altitude adjustments during various flight phases, such as ascent or descent.