Free Fall with Air Resistance

Calculate terminal velocity and falling motion including air drag effects.

Object Properties

Mass (kg)

Cross-sectional Area (m²)

Drag Coefficient (Cd)

Sphere: 0.47, Human: 1.0

Fall Time (s)

Motion Results

Enter properties to calculate fall

About this calculator

Quick Reference

vtTerminal Velocity

? (rho)Air Density (1.225 kg/m³)

CdDrag Coefficient

ACross-sectional area

Overview

In the real world, objects do not accelerate forever. Air resistance (drag) opposes gravity, eventually leading to a constant 'terminal velocity'.

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Pro Tips

Fun Facts

"Peregrine falcons can reach speeds over 320 km/h (200 mph) by minimizing their area and drag."
"Without air resistance, a raindrops would hit the ground at speeds fast enough to kill."
"Heavy objects have higher terminal velocities because they need to be moving faster for drag to balance their weight."

Formula: v_t = v(2mg / ?ACd)