It’s well known that cheetahs are the fastest land animals on earth. But just how fast are they?

Cheetahs have a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h). However, this pace is only sustainable for short, intense bursts. They can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in about 3 seconds. This acceleration rivals that of high-performance sports cars.

Once a cheetah reaches its top speed, it can only maintain that peak for a few seconds. A typical chase lasts 20 to 30 seconds. If it hasn’t caught its prey in that time frame, a cheetah stop due to fatigue and risk of overheating.

During a sprint, a cheetah covers up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) in a single stride. More than half the time, all four paws are off the ground. The average speed of a cheetah during a chase is around 40 mph (64 km/h). In that period, a cheetah can cover more than 300 yards.

Cheetah Anatomy

Cheetahs are built for explosive power rather than endurance. They have lightweight, aerodynamic bodies and possess characteristics that allow for incredible acceleration:

• A slender frame minimizes air resistance.
• Long, lean legs increase stride length.
• A flexible spine acts like a spring, extending the stride.
• A long tail works as a rudder to steer during tight turns.
• Hard foot pads and semi-retractable claws ensure traction.

However, high-speed running generates a lot of heat. Maintaining top speed beyond 20 to 30 seconds would lead to overheating and exhaustion. Therefore, a cheetah’s hunting strategy relies on a quick kill rather than a prolonged pursuit.

Additionally, plenty of oxygen is required to support their sprints. Cheetahs have large nasal passages and enlarged lungs and heart. Their breathing rate jumps from about 60 to 150 breaths per minute during a sprint.

The Cost of Extreme Speed

Running at such high speeds is taxing. During a chase, a cheetah burns through oxygen and glucose reserves quickly, forcing a needed rest. This rest period, lasting roughly 30 minutes, leaves it vulnerable to other animals who may attack it or steal its prey. A cheetah’s light build also renders it less capable to fend off against rivals such as leopards, lions, and hyenas. When threatened, cheetahs will abandon their kills rather than engage in a fight.

Studies indicate that cheetahs succeed in capturing prey in approximately 40–50% of their chases. In other words, about half of their hunts result in a kill.

Scientists believe that the cheetah’s evolutionary focus on speed is a double-edged sword. Their bodies evolved for rapid acceleration at the expense of endurance and strength. This specialization limits its ability to challenge larger predators and adapt to environmental changes. These trade-offs may increase its risk of extinction.