Bullet Terminal Velocity Calculator

When it comes to bullet physics, one of the most common questions is: “How fast does a bullet fall back to Earth?” The answer lies in a concept known as terminal velocity. Our free Bullet Terminal Velocity Calculator helps you determine this speed based on real physics equations. Whether you're a ballistics enthusiast, hunter, or physics student, this tool is designed to give you accurate results in seconds.

What Is Bullet Terminal Velocity?

Terminal velocity is the maximum speed an object reaches while falling through the air when the force of gravity is balanced by the drag force of air resistance. For bullets, terminal velocity occurs when they’re fired straight up and begin falling back down, or when they tumble after being fired and slow down.

Unlike the incredibly high muzzle velocity when a bullet is first fired, terminal velocity is much slower — but still fast enough to be dangerous.

How to Calculate Bullet Terminal Velocity

The calculation of bullet terminal velocity is based on a well-known physics formula:

Terminal Velocity Formula:

V = √((2 × m × g) / (ρ × A × Cd))

Where:

• V is the terminal velocity in meters per second (m/s)
• m is the bullet's mass in kilograms
• g is gravitational acceleration (usually 9.81 m/s²)
• ρ (rho) is the air density in kg/m³ (typically 1.225 at sea level)
• A is the bullet’s cross-sectional area in m²
• Cd is the drag coefficient (around 0.295 for bullets)

This formula considers real-world air resistance and bullet shape, giving you an accurate speed of a falling bullet.

How to Use the Bullet Terminal Velocity Calculator

Using our calculator is easy. Simply enter the following values:

1. Mass of the bullet – you can choose grams, kilograms, grains, or ounces
2. Diameter of the bullet – supported units include millimeters, centimeters, inches, and calibers
3. Drag coefficient – typically ranges from 0.2 to 0.5 for bullets
4. Air density – defaults to 1.225 kg/m³ but can be adjusted for altitude or temperature
5. Gravity – defaults to 9.81 m/s² (Earth standard)

The calculator will instantly compute the bullet's terminal velocity, along with other useful physics values like drag force, dynamic pressure, and Reynolds number.

Example Calculation

Suppose a bullet has:

• A mass of 8 grams
• A diameter of 9 millimeters
• A drag coefficient of 0.295
• Air density of 1.225 kg/m³

The bullet’s terminal velocity would be approximately 82 meters per second, or about 184 miles per hour. While this is much slower than its initial speed when fired, it's still fast enough to cause injury or damage.

Final Verdict

Understanding a bullet’s terminal velocity is not just a physics experiment — it’s vital for safety, ballistic studies, and real-world applications. Our Bullet Terminal Velocity Calculator makes this science accessible for everyone. No need for complex formulas or guessing. Just input your bullet’s data, and get accurate results instantly.

Whether you're trying to answer “What is the terminal velocity of a 30 cal bullet?”, or just want to know how fast a bullet falls, this tool has you covered.

FAQs

How fast is terminal velocity for a bullet?

It varies based on bullet shape, mass, and air resistance. Typically between 90 to 180 m/s.

Do bullets fall at terminal velocity?

Yes. When bullets are fired into the air and fall back down, they reach terminal velocity due to air resistance.

Can a falling bullet kill you?

Yes, in rare cases. A bullet at terminal velocity can still penetrate skin or cause injury.

What is the terminal velocity of a 30 cal bullet?

A .30 caliber bullet typically has a terminal velocity of around 100 to 120 m/s, depending on drag and orientation.

What is the terminal velocity of a 200-pound person?

Approximately 53 m/s (around 120 mph), assuming skydiving position with air resistance.

How far is a 30 second free fall?

In 30 seconds of free fall, an object could fall around 4,400 meters, depending on air resistance.