Projectile Range Calculator

Model ideal projectile motion and discover how far a ball, rocket, or object travels horizontally. Provide the launch speed, elevation angle, and gravitational acceleration to return the theoretical range for a flat landing surface.

Speed at launch measured in meters per second. Convert from mph by multiplying by 0.447.
Angle above the horizontal in degrees; 45° maximizes range in a vacuum.
Use 9.81 for Earth, 1.62 for the Moon, 3.71 for Mars, or customize for simulations.

Idealized physics model; real-world ranges vary with conditions.

Examples

  • 25 m/s at 42° under Earth's gravity ⇒ 61.5 meters downrange
  • 30 m/s at 30° under lunar gravity 1.62 ⇒ 554.7 meters

FAQ

Why is 45° the optimal angle for maximum range?

In an idealized vacuum, a 45° launch maximizes the sine of twice the angle, producing the greatest horizontal distance when launch and landing heights are the same.

Can I change gravity for other planets?

Absolutely. Swap Earth's 9.81 m/s² for Mars' 3.71 m/s² or any value that matches your physics scenario.

Does this account for air resistance?

No. The calculation assumes perfect projectile motion without drag, lift, or Magnus effects. For real-world predictions, use more advanced simulations.

What happens if I use a negative angle?

A negative angle represents a downward launch and produces a negative horizontal distance, indicating the object is projected toward the ground.

How can I convert the result into feet?

Multiply the range in meters by 3.28084 to see the equivalent distance in feet.

Additional Information

  • Results are shown in meters when you input SI units. Use consistent units across all fields to keep the calculation accurate.
  • The formula assumes launch and landing heights are equal and ignores air drag, wind, and spin.

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