Escape Velocity Calculator

Ever wondered how fast you’d need to travel to leave Earth? That’s where escape velocity comes in. Our Escape Velocity Calculator makes it simple. Just enter mass and radius, and you’ll get instant results. No tricky math, no confusion only clear answers.

What Is Escape Velocity?

Escape velocity is the speed needed for an object to break free from a planet’s gravity without extra thrust. On Earth, that number is about 11.2 km/s. That’s nearly 33 times the speed of sound, or Mach 33. To picture it, think about a rocket it needs this speed to leave Earth’s pull.

The Escape Velocity Formula

The formula is simple and comes from energy balance:

v = √(2GM / R)

Where:

• v = escape velocity
• G = gravitational constant (6.674 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg²)
• M = mass of the planet
• R = radius of the planet

For Earth:

M = 5.972 × 10²⁴ kg

R = 6.371 × 10⁶ m

v = √(2 × 6.674 × 10⁻¹¹ × 5.972 × 10²⁴ / 6.371 × 10⁶)

v ≈ 11,200 m/s or 11.2 km/s

How to Use the Escape Velocity Calculator

Using our calculator is a breeze. You’ll only need two inputs:

1. The mass of the planet or body.
2. The radius of that planet or body.

Choose units like kilograms, meters, miles, or even Earth masses. Hit calculate, and you’ll see results in km/s, m/s, mph, and km/h. You’ll also get orbital velocity and surface gravity for context.

Why Is Earth’s Escape Velocity 11.2 km/s?

It’s because of Earth’s size and mass. A bigger planet with more mass pulls harder, so you’d need more speed to escape. Jupiter, for example, has an escape velocity of about 59.6 km/s, much higher than Earth.

Is Mach 33 Escape Velocity?

Yes, on Earth, escape velocity equals Mach 33. That means you’d need to move 33 times faster than sound to leave the planet’s pull.

How Fast Is Escape Velocity in mph?

On Earth, escape velocity is about 25,000 mph. Imagine driving a car that fast you’d circle the Earth in about an hour!

Final Verdict

Escape velocity may sound complex, but our calculator makes it easy. Enter mass and radius, and you’ll see results instantly. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or just curious, this tool helps you understand the science behind space travel in seconds.

FAQs

How do you calculate escape velocity?

Use the formula v = √(2GM / R). Plug in the mass and radius of the planet.

What is Earth’s escape velocity?

It’s about 11.2 km/s, or 25,000 mph.

Is escape velocity the same as orbital velocity?

No. Orbital velocity is smaller. It’s the speed needed to stay in orbit, not escape.

Does mass of the object matter?

No. Escape velocity depends only on the planet’s mass and radius.