Skip to content
Calculation Machine

Escape Velocity Calculator

Speed needed to leave a gravity well.

Reviewed by the Calculation Machine team · How we check our maths

Your values

ⓘ Live results

Results
Escape velocity
11185.98 m/s
In km/s
11.186
In mph
25,022
Surface gravity
9.82 m/s²
Orbital velocity (low orbit)
7.9097 km/s

Quick answer

Escape velocity is √(2GM/r) — the speed at which kinetic energy exactly cancels gravitational binding energy.

The formula

v = √(2GM/r)

Worked example

Worked example

Using the values the calculator loads with.

Inputs

  • Mass5.972e24 kg
  • Radius6371000 m

Result

  • Escape velocity11185.98 m/s
  • In km/s11.186
  • In mph25,022
  • Surface gravity9.82 m/s²
  • Orbital velocity (low orbit)7.9097 km/s

How to use the Escape Velocity Calculator

  1. 1Enter the body's mass in kilograms.
  2. 2Enter its radius in metres.
  3. 3Scientific notation like 5.972e24 is accepted.

Frequently asked questions

What is Earth's escape velocity?

About 11.2 km/s, or 25,000 mph.

Does it depend on the escaping object's mass?

No — it is the same for a pebble or a rocket.

About this calculator