Terminal Velocity Calculator
Free-fall speed limit with drag.
Enter your values
Enter the mass in kg.
Enter the cross-sectional area in m².
Enter the drag coefficient you are working with.
Enter the air density in kg/m³.
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.
- Terminal velocity
- 42.78 m/s
- In km/h
- 154
- In mph
- 95.7
- Drag force at terminal
- 784.8 N
Quick answer
Terminal velocity is reached when drag force equals weight.
v = √(2mg ÷ ρACd)
At a glance
| What it does | Free-fall speed limit with drag. |
|---|---|
| Category | Science |
| Inputs needed | Mass, Cross-sectional area, Drag coefficient, Air density |
| Main output | Terminal velocity |
| Formula | v = √(2mg ÷ ρACd) |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Terminal Velocity Calculator
- 1Enter the falling object's mass.
- 2Enter frontal area and drag coefficient.
- 3Adjust air density for altitude.
Inputs explained
- Mass(kg)
- Enter the mass in kg.
- Cross-sectional area(m²)
- Enter the cross-sectional area in m².
- Drag coefficient
- Enter the drag coefficient you are working with.
- Air density(kg/m³)
- Enter the air density in kg/m³.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Mass80 kg
- Cross-sectional area0.7 m²
- Drag coefficient1.0
- Air density1.225 kg/m³
Results
- Terminal velocity42.78 m/s
- In km/h154
- In mph95.7
- Drag force at terminal784.8 N
Frequently asked questions
What is skydiver terminal velocity?
About 55 m/s belly-to-earth, over 90 m/s head-down.
Why do parachutes work?
They multiply area, cutting terminal velocity to a survivable speed.
What do I need to enter into the Terminal Velocity Calculator?
Just 4 values: mass, cross-sectional area, drag coefficient, air density. 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 Terminal Velocity Calculator work out the answer?
Terminal velocity is reached when drag force equals weight. It applies the formula v = √(2mg ÷ ρACd) and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Terminal Velocity 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.