0 to 100 km/h explained: how it is measured and why your time differs
By the TripRank team · 29 October 2026 · 6 min read
Ask a car enthusiast how quick a car is and you will usually hear one number: its 0 to 100 km/h time. It is a simple idea, the seconds a car needs to go from standing still to 100 km/h, but the figure printed in a brochure and the one you get on a road are rarely the same.
How manufacturers get their number
Brochure figures are usually set under favourable conditions: a flat, grippy surface, mild temperature, a light load, a prepared car and an experienced driver using the best launch method. Some timing methods also subtract a small rollout at the start. Different brands and magazines do not always measure the same way, so compare numbers from the same source.
What changes your result
- Surface and grip: wheelspin wastes time. Wet or dusty tarmac slows everything.
- Temperature and altitude: thinner, hotter air means less power.
- Weight: passengers, luggage and a full tank all add up.
- Gradient: even a slight uphill costs tenths of a second.
- Launch technique: clutch release, revs and traction control settings matter in a manual or a performance car.
- Tyres: pressure, wear and compound change grip.
How a phone can time it
A phone uses GPS speed to see when you start moving and when you reach the target speed. Many phones update their position around once a second, so the result is an estimate, not a lab figure. That is fine for comparing your own runs, but treat the decimal as approximate. We explain how accurate phone tracking is in our GPS accuracy guide.
Time it safely
Never test acceleration on a public road with other traffic. The right places are a closed, legal venue such as an organised track day or a drag event. Our track day beginner's guide explains how to get started. Always wear a seatbelt, remove loose items and make sure the car is in good condition.
Compare fairly
When TripRank runs a global 0 to 100 challenge, drivers can post their best time to a leaderboard and see how they compare. The fairest comparison is the same car, the same venue and similar conditions. Read how challenges and leaderboards work safely.
Speed is only half the story
A quick launch is fun, but smooth driving is what you use every day. Read how the driving score works and see the other side of being a good driver.
Frequently asked questions
What does 0 to 100 km/h mean?
It is the time in seconds a car takes to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h. It is the most common single measure of acceleration.
Why is my 0-100 time slower than the brochure?
Brochure times are set in ideal conditions with a prepared car and driver. Surface, temperature, weight, gradient and launch technique all slow a real-world run.
Is a phone accurate for timing acceleration?
It is good for comparing your own runs, but GPS updates about once a second on many phones, so the decimals are approximate.
Where can I time 0-100 safely?
On a closed, legal venue such as a track day or drag event, never on a public road.