Air Resistance Calculator

Calculate the air resistance (drag force) experienced by an object moving through air

Input Parameters

Calculation Results

Calculation Formula

Fd = 0.5 × ρ × v² × Cd × A

Where:
Fd = Drag Force (N)
ρ = Air Density (approximately 1.225 kg/m³ at sea level)
v = Velocity (m/s)
Cd = Drag Coefficient
A = Cross-sectional Area (m²)

Air Resistance Calculator Usage Guide

Learn how to use the Air Resistance Calculator and understand drag force calculations

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter the velocity of the object (m/s)
  2. Enter the mass of the object (kg)
  3. Enter the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the direction of motion (m²)
  4. Enter the drag coefficient (typically between 0.1 and 1.0 for common objects)
  5. Click the "Calculate" button to compute the drag force and terminal velocity

Understanding Air Resistance (Drag Force)

Air resistance, or drag force, is the force that opposes an object's motion through air. It depends on:

  • Velocity: Drag force increases with the square of velocity
  • Mass: Heavier objects require more force to be moved at the same speed
  • Shape and Size: Represented by the cross-sectional area and drag coefficient
  • Air Density: Higher density (e.g., at lower altitudes) increases drag

Calculating Terminal Velocity

Terminal velocity is the constant speed reached when the drag force equals the gravitational force. The calculator also computes this value using the formula:

vterminal = √(2 × m × g / (ρ × Cd × A))

Practical Applications

This calculator is useful for:

  • Engineering design and aerodynamics
  • Physics education and experimentation
  • Recreational activities like skydiving and cycling
  • Understanding vehicle fuel efficiency