Horizontal Projectile Motion Calculator

What Is Horizontal Projectile Motion?

Horizontal projectile motion describes an object launched with only horizontal speed from a height above flat ground. Gravity pulls it downward while horizontal speed stays constant (ignoring air resistance). The path is a parabola.

Key Formulas

$$t = \sqrt{\frac{2h}{g}}$$ $$R = v_0 \cdot t$$

$h$ is launch height, $g$ is gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s² on Earth), $v_0$ is initial horizontal speed, $t$ is flight time, and $R$ is horizontal range.

Impact Velocity

At landing, vertical speed is $v_y = g t$ and total speed is $|v| = \sqrt{v_0^2 + v_y^2}$. Because horizontal motion is independent of vertical motion, doubling launch height increases flight time but not horizontal speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does initial horizontal speed affect flight time?

No. Flight time depends only on height and gravity: $t = \sqrt{2h/g}$. Horizontal speed affects range, not time in the air.

Is air resistance included?

No. This calculator assumes no air drag and constant gravity, which is accurate for classroom problems and rough estimates.

Can I change gravity for other planets?

Yes. Enter the local gravitational acceleration in the gravity field. On the Moon use about 1.62 m/s².

What if launch height is zero?

With zero height the object hits the ground immediately, so flight time and range are zero. Launch from a positive height.

How is this different from angled launch?

Angled launch has both horizontal and vertical initial velocity. Here the launch angle is 0°, so all initial speed is horizontal.

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Horizontal Projectile Motion Calculator

What Is Horizontal Projectile Motion?

Key Formulas

Impact Velocity

Frequently Asked Questions

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