Impulse Calculator
Impulse from force and time, or from momentum change.
Enter your values
Enter the average force in N.
Enter the contact time in s.
Enter the mass in kg.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Impulse
- 100 N·s
- Resulting velocity change
- 100 m/s
- Force
- 500 N
- Time
- 0.2 s
Quick answer
Impulse J = F x t, and also equals the change in momentum m x delta v.
J = F x t = m x delta v
At a glance
| What it does | Impulse from force and time, or from momentum change. |
|---|---|
| Category | Physics |
| Inputs needed | Average force, Contact time, Mass |
| Main output | Impulse |
| Formula | J = F x t = m x delta v |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Impulse Calculator
- 1Enter the average force applied and the time it acts for.
- 2Enter the mass to see the resulting change in velocity.
- 3Use this to compare, say, a padded landing versus a hard one.
Inputs explained
- Average force(N)
- Enter the average force in N.
- Contact time(s)
- Enter the contact time in s.
- Mass(kg)
- Enter the mass in kg.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Average force500 N
- Contact time0.2 s
- Mass1 kg
Results
- Impulse100 N·s
- Resulting velocity change100 m/s
- Force500 N
- Time0.2 s
Frequently asked questions
Why does padding reduce injury?
Padding extends the contact time, so for the same impulse the peak force is lower.
Is impulse a vector?
Yes, it has direction, same as force and momentum.
What do I need to enter into the Impulse Calculator?
Just 3 values: average force, contact time, mass. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Impulse Calculator work out the answer?
Impulse J = F x t, and also equals the change in momentum m x delta v. It applies the formula J = F x t = m x delta v and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Impulse Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.