Drag coefficient calculator

Calculate the drag coefficient (Cd) based on vehicle dimensions, frontal area, and drag force measurements

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Drag Coefficient (Cd)

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Where:
Cd = Drag Force / (0.5 × Air Density × Velocity² × Frontal Area)
Air Density (at sea level, 15°C) = 1.225 kg/m³

Additional Information

Enter the input parameters to see additional information

Drag coefficient calculator Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Drag coefficient calculator and its working principles

What is the Drag Coefficient (Cd)?

The drag coefficient (Cd) is a dimensionless quantity that quantifies the aerodynamic drag of an object. It is determined by the ratio of the drag force to the product of dynamic pressure and reference area.

How to use this calculator:

  1. Enter the Frontal Area of your object (the area projected in the direction of motion)
  2. Enter the measured Drag Force in Newtons
  3. Enter the Velocity at which the drag force was measured in meters per second
  4. Click the Calculate button to compute the drag coefficient

Principle of Operation

The drag coefficient is calculated using the formula:

Cd = Drag Force / (0.5 × Air Density × Velocity² × Frontal Area)

Where: Air Density = 1.225 kg/m³ (standard at sea level, 15°C)

Interpretation of Results

  • A lower Cd value indicates better aerodynamic efficiency (less drag)
  • Typical values for cars range from 0.2 to 0.4
  • Airplane wings typically have much lower values (0.015-0.04)
  • This calculation assumes incompressible flow and steady conditions