Escape Velocity Calculator
Calculate escape velocity from any planet or body using mass and radius. Includes solar system presets, orbital velocity comparison, and delta-v requirements.
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m
Escape Velocity
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Escape Velocity —
Circular Orbital Velocity —
Extended More scenarios, charts & detailed breakdown ▾
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m
Escape Velocity
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Orbital Velocity (surface) —
Professional Full parameters & maximum detail ▾
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Escape Velocities
Escape Velocity (surface) —
Escape Velocity (altitude) —
Orbital Velocities
Orbital Velocity (surface) —
Orbital Velocity (altitude) —
Mission Planning
Delta-v Gain from Altitude —
Surface Gravity —
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the mass of the planet/body in kg and its radius in meters.
- Or switch to From Surface Gravity tab and enter g and radius.
- Use Solar System Presets to instantly see escape velocities for all major bodies.
- The Professional tier adds orbital velocity, delta-v from altitude, and surface gravity.
Formula
v = √(2GM/r) | G = 6.67430×10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg²
From surface gravity: v = √(2gr)
Orbital velocity: v_orb = v_esc / √2
Example
Earth: M = 5.972×10²⁴ kg, r = 6.371×10⁶ m → v = √(2 × 6.674×10⁻¹¹ × 5.972×10²⁴ / 6.371×10⁶) = 11.19 km/s
Frequently Asked Questions
- Escape velocity is the minimum speed an object needs to break free from a body's gravitational pull without further propulsion. It is v = √(2GM/r), where G is the gravitational constant, M is the body's mass, and r is its radius.
- Earth's escape velocity from the surface is approximately 11.19 km/s (about 40,270 km/h). This is the speed needed to leave Earth without any additional thrust.
- Escape velocity is exactly √2 times the circular orbital velocity at the same radius. So v_esc = v_orb × √2. At Earth's surface, orbital velocity would be ~7.91 km/s, and escape velocity is ~11.19 km/s.
- Yes. If you know the surface gravity g and the body's radius r, use v = √(2gr). This is equivalent to the mass formula since g = GM/r².
- Escape velocity itself is a gravitational quantity unaffected by atmosphere. However, atmospheric drag means rockets must launch faster to compensate for drag losses. The actual delta-v to orbit is typically 9–10 km/s for Earth.
Related Calculators
Sources & References (5) ▾
- Escape Velocity — NASA Space Place — NASA
- University Physics Vol. 1, Ch. 13: Gravitation — OpenStax
- Escape Velocity — HyperPhysics — Georgia State University HyperPhysics
- Escape Velocity — Wikipedia (with NASA refs) — Wikipedia / NASA
- JPL Horizons System — Solar System Body Data — NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory