Terminal Velocity Calculator
Free-fall speed limit with drag.
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- 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)
How to use the Terminal Velocity Calculator
- 1Enter the falling object's mass.
- 2Enter frontal area and drag coefficient.
- 3Adjust air density for altitude.
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.
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.