How rpm converter works
This converter handles four ways to express rotational speed: revolutions per minute (RPM), radians per second (rad/s), hertz (Hz, meaning revolutions per second), and degrees per second (deg/s). It first converts the input to a common base unit of one revolution per second (1 Hz), then converts from that base into each of the other three units, so any combination works.
The conversion factors come from the definitions of a full turn and the time units: one revolution equals 2*pi radians or 360 degrees, and one minute equals 60 seconds. So 1 RPM = 1/60 Hz = (2*pi)/60 rad/s = 6 deg/s. The relationships are exact, and results are rounded to six decimal places (tiny values use scientific notation so they never collapse to zero).
RPM is the everyday unit for motors, engines, fans, drills, and turntables. Radians per second is the SI unit for angular velocity used in physics and engineering dynamics. Hertz (revolutions per second) is common for frequency and signal analysis. Degrees per second is convenient for robotics and gimbal control. Negative values are supported and represent reverse rotation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert RPM to radians per second?
Multiply the RPM value by 2*pi and divide by 60. For example, 60 RPM = (60 * 2*pi) / 60 = 2*pi rad/s, about 6.283 rad/s. The converter does this automatically and shows the other units too.
How do I convert RPM to hertz (Hz)?
Divide the RPM value by 60, since 1 Hz here means one revolution per second. So 60 RPM = 1 Hz, and 3600 RPM = 60 Hz. This is angular/rotational frequency, the same as revolutions per second.
What is the difference between RPM and rad/s?
RPM counts full revolutions per minute, while rad/s measures the angle swept in radians each second. One revolution is 2*pi radians, so converting is a matter of scaling by 2*pi and adjusting seconds vs minutes. Radians per second is the SI unit and is preferred in physics and engineering formulas.
Why does the converter also show degrees per second?
Degrees per second (deg/s) is convenient for robotics, gimbals, and servos where angles are measured in degrees. Since one revolution is 360 degrees, 1 RPM = 360 deg/min = 6 deg/s. Showing all four units side by side lets you read off whichever one your application uses.
