# Distance-time graph

A graph with time along the bottom and distance up the side. The slope (gradient) of the line is the speed.

Physics (school) · Part 01: Motion and measurement · Card 5 of 8 · Last updated 2026-10-19

## Analogy

A steep hill on the graph means a fast walker. A flat path means standing still.

## Example

**Reading the slope**

Line from (0 s, 0 m) to (10 s, 40 m).
gradient = 40 / 10
speed = 4 m/s
A flat line means speed = 0.

## In practice

A flat line means stopped. A straight sloping line means steady speed. A curved line means the speed is changing.

## Practice

### Flashcards

- **What does the gradient of a distance-time graph give?** The speed of the object.

## Questions people ask

### What does a flat line on a distance-time graph mean?

The distance is not changing, so the object is not moving. It is stopped, and its speed is zero. The line stays flat for as long as the object rests. A bus waiting at a bus stop would show up as a flat section on its journey graph.

### What does the gradient of a distance-time graph tell you?

Work out the gradient. Pick two points on a straight section, find the change in distance and divide by the change in time. If the line rises 40 m while 10 s pass, the speed is 4 m/s. A steeper line means a higher speed.

## Related concepts

- [Velocity-time graph](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-1/physics-school-part-1-concept-7)
- [Speed](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-1/physics-school-part-1-concept-3)
- [Velocity](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-1/physics-school-part-1-concept-4)
- [Acceleration](https://studyvisually.com/learn/science/physics-school/physics-school-part-1/physics-school-part-1-concept-6)

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