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Mihsaba›Terminal Velocity Calculator

Terminal Velocity Calculator

Calculate terminal velocity for a falling body from mass, gravity, fluid density, drag coefficient and reference area.

Uses a quadratic-drag model with constant Cd; real Cd varies with shape and Reynolds number.

How to use

Terminal velocity occurs when quadratic drag balances weight, bringing net acceleration toward zero and speed toward a steady value.

  1. Enter mass and gravity.
  2. Enter fluid density.
  3. Enter Cd and reference area.
  4. Review terminal velocity.

How it is calculated

vₜ=√(2mg/(ρCdA))

Example

For an 80 kg body in air at 1.225 kg/m³ with Cd=1 and area 0.7 m², terminal velocity is about 42.8 m/s.

Important notes

This is not a time-history fall simulation and does not model density or Cd changes with altitude/speed.

Frequently asked questions

Is terminal speed immediate?

No, it is approached over time.

Is Cd always constant?

No, it can vary with Reynolds number, shape and orientation.

Can I use water?

Yes if the density/Cd inputs and quadratic-drag model are appropriate.