Escape Velocity Calculator
Speed needed to leave a gravity well.
Enter 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.
v = √(2GM/r)
How to use the Escape Velocity Calculator
- 1Enter the body's mass in kilograms.
- 2Enter its radius in metres.
- 3Scientific notation like 5.972e24 is accepted.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Mass5.972e24 kg
- Radius6371000 m
Results
- 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
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
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.