Terminal Velocity Calculator

Terminal velocity is the maximum speed a falling object reaches when the downward gravitational force equals the upward drag force. At this point, net acceleration is zero and the object falls at a constant speed.

Terminal velocity is calculated as: vt = √(2mg / (ρ × A × Cd)), where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, ρ is the fluid density, A is the cross-sectional area, and Cd is the drag coefficient.

An average human skydiver (about 80 kg) in a spread-eagle position has a terminal velocity of roughly 55–60 m/s (around 200 km/h or 120 mph). In a head-down dive position, it can exceed 90 m/s (320 km/h).

A baseball has a terminal velocity of approximately 42 m/s (about 95 mph or 150 km/h), owing to its relatively low drag coefficient (~0.47) and small cross-sectional area.

Terminal velocity depends on mass, cross-sectional area, drag coefficient (shape), the density of the medium (air or water), and gravitational acceleration. Heavier, denser objects with small cross-sections and low drag coefficients reach higher terminal velocities.

Use the formula vt = √(2mg / (ρ × A × Cd)). Enter the mass, gravitational acceleration, fluid density, projected area, and drag coefficient into the formula — or use our calculator above to get the answer instantly.

Squirrels have a very low mass and a large surface area relative to their weight, resulting in a low terminal velocity — around 10 m/s. This means the impact force is small enough that they land safely without injury.

Yes. The same formula applies to any fluid medium — simply change the density value to that of water (~1000 kg/m³) or another liquid. Objects reach terminal velocity much faster in denser fluids due to higher drag forces.