Physics
Projectile Velocity Calculator
Resolve speed and angle into orthogonal components, then calculate ideal time to apex, height gain, maximum height, kinetic energy, momentum, and component ratio.
Initial horizontal velocity (m/s)-
Initial vertical velocity (m/s)-
Initial kinetic energy (J)-
Time to apex (s)-
Height gained above launch point (m)-
Maximum height above landing level (m)-
Initial momentum (kg m/s)-
Initial vertical-to-horizontal velocity ratio-
Decision view
Projectile vector and ideal apex
Projectile vector and ideal apexThe entered launch vector is resolved into horizontal and vertical components before energy and height are derived.
Exact scenario comparisonLaunch angle (degrees) changes while all other entered assumptions remain constant.
| Launch angle (degrees) | Initial horizontal velocity (m/s) | Initial vertical velocity (m/s) | Initial kinetic energy (J) | Time to apex (s) | Height gained above launch point (m) | Maximum height above landing level (m) | Initial momentum (kg m/s) | Initial vertical-to-horizontal velocity ratio |
|---|
How to use Projectile Velocity Calculator
- Confirm speed, angle, height, mass, and gravity units.
- Read horizontal and vertical components separately.
- Treat the trajectory as ideal physics, never as a safety or range approval.
Calculator guide
Understanding Projectile Velocity Calculator
A launch velocity is a vector: horizontal motion, vertical rise, momentum, and energy answer different questions.
Calculation method
How the calculation works
Resolve the entered launch speed into horizontal and vertical components, then derive energy, momentum, time to apex, and maximum ideal height. Use cosine and sine for horizontal and vertical velocity, mv and ½mv² for momentum and energy, and constant-gravity kinematics for apex time and height.
Physics interpretation
Match each result to its question
One launch state produces several non-interchangeable measures.
Worked situations
Practical examples
- At zero degrees the initial vertical component is zero.
- Mass changes momentum and energy but not ideal apex height for the same speed.
- Initial height is added after calculating height gained above launch.
Better inputs
Useful tips
- Use measured launch conditions.
- Test angle uncertainty.
- Use a drag model for real projectiles.
Before relying on the result
Limitations and common mistakes
- Drag, wind, spin, lift, terrain, launcher geometry, uncertainty, and safety are excluded.
- Gravity is constant.
- The projectile is a point mass.
Reference
Key terms
- Velocity component
- Projection of velocity onto one axis.
- Apex
- Highest ideal point where vertical velocity reaches zero.
- Momentum
- Mass multiplied by speed.
- Kinetic energy
- One-half mass times speed squared.
Important note
Calculated from the entered values using the displayed physical model. Confirm that its assumptions, units, boundary conditions, and safety limits match the application.
Frequently asked questions
Why does energy use total speed?
Kinetic energy depends on vector magnitude, not one component.
Can maximum height be below initial height?
Not with a nonnegative upward-height gain in this model.
Does mass change apex time?
No, not in ideal constant-gravity motion.
Is range calculated?
No.