Free Fall Calculator
How long does it take an object to fall, and how fast is it going when it lands?
Your numbers
Your results
Fall time (s)
Fall time (s)
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Impact speed (m/s)
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Impact speed (km/h)
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Free Fall Calculator by TheCalcTools
How the Free Fall Calculator works
Enter the drop height, any initial downward speed and the gravity.
Final speed comes from v² = u² + 2gh.
Time follows from t = (v − u) ÷ g.
The formula
v² = u² + 2ght = (v − u) ÷ g
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Drop height (m) | 100 |
|---|---|
| Initial downward speed (m/s) | 0 |
| Gravity | Earth |
- From 100 m: v = √(2 × 9.80665 × 100) = 44.29 m/s (159 km/h).
- Fall time = 4.516 s.
Result:
| Fall time (s) | 4.516 |
|---|---|
| Impact speed (m/s) | 44.29 |
| Impact speed (km/h) | 159.4 |
Frequently asked questions
Do heavier objects fall faster?
Not in a vacuum. All objects accelerate equally. In air, drag makes light, broad objects fall slower.
What is terminal velocity?
The speed at which air resistance balances weight. A skydiver reaches about 55 m/s (200 km/h) belly-down.
Sources and further reading
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.