Terminal Velocity Calculator

Estimate terminal velocity from mass, drag coefficient, cross-sectional area, and fluid density using v_t = √(2mg ÷ ρAC_d), with presets for common objects and fluids.

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Common drag coefficients

Terminal velocity

153.99 km/h

42.78 m/s

Weight (N)

784.53 N

Fluid density

1.225 kg/m³

Air at sea level (1.225 kg/m³)

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Science — Physics

Terminal Velocity Calculator

Terminal velocity is the constant speed reached by a falling object when the drag force equals the gravitational force. At this point there is no net force and no further acceleration. The equation v_t = √(2mg ÷ ρAC_d) determines this equilibrium speed.

Terminal velocity equation

v_t = √(2mg ÷ (ρ × A × C_d)), where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration (9.80665 m/s²), ρ is fluid density, A is cross-sectional area, and C_d is the drag coefficient. Higher mass, lower drag coefficient, and lower fluid density all increase terminal velocity.

A human skydiver in a spread-eagle position (C_d ≈ 1.0, A ≈ 0.7 m²) reaches approximately 53–57 m/s (190–205 km/h). In a head-down dive position (C_d ≈ 0.7, A ≈ 0.1 m²), terminal velocity increases to around 140–160 m/s.

Drag coefficient

The drag coefficient C_d is dimensionless and depends on object shape and the flow regime (Reynolds number). Common values: sphere 0.47, flat plate 1.28, streamlined teardrop 0.04, skydiver spread-eagle 1.0, baseball 0.35.

Increasing cross-sectional area (such as opening a parachute) is the primary method for reducing terminal velocity. A parachute increases area from ~0.7 m² to ~40 m², reducing speed from ~55 m/s to ~5–6 m/s.

Frequently asked questions

Does terminal velocity differ at altitude?

Yes. Air density decreases with altitude. At 3 000 m, air density is about 74% of sea-level density. Lower density means higher terminal velocity — this is why base jumpers and skydivers from high altitudes reach greater speeds before opening their chutes.

 Can terminal velocity occur in liquids?

Yes. Objects falling through water, oil, or any fluid eventually reach terminal velocity. Water is about 800 times denser than air, so terminal velocities in water are much lower. A 1 kg sphere might reach several hundred m/s in air but only a few m/s in water.

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