How this calculator works
Warp factors belong to science fiction and do not describe a demonstrated propulsion mechanism. The original-series convention cubes the factor. The later scale is approximated by a power of 10/3 through warp 9; its approach to the fictional warp-10 limit is not represented by that power law. Story travel times can differ from either convention. Time here is simply distance divided by the selected fictional speed.
Formula
Original-series convention: v/c = w³. Later approximation for 1 ≤ w ≤ 9: v/c = w^(10/3). Travel time t = d/v.
Worked example
On the cubic scale, warp 2 is eight times c and covers one light-year in 0.125 Julian years, or 45.65625 days. Warp 1 corresponds to c on both scales.
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Frequently asked questions
Is faster-than-light travel established physics?
No. These are fictional speed conventions for comparison and storytelling.
Why reject later-scale factors above 9?
The simple 10/3 power law does not model the fictional high-warp transition near 10.
Why can an episode give another travel time?
Writers use narrative constraints and sometimes different conventions; this calculator uses only its stated formulas.