---
title: "Orbital Velocity Calculator - Circular Orbit Speed"
description: "Calculate orbital velocity and period for satellites and planets using gravitational parameters and orbital radius."
image: "https://onlineminitools.com/tools/orbital-velocity-calculator/logo.svg"
---

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# Orbital Velocity Calculator

Calculate orbital velocity and period for satellites and planets using gravitational parameters and orbital radius.

      O M T

## Circular Orbital Velocity

A satellite in a stable circular orbit moves fast enough that centripetal acceleration matches gravitational pull. Orbital velocity depends on the central body mass and orbital radius.

## Formula

 $$v = \sqrt{\frac{GM}{r}}$$

\(G\) is the gravitational constant, \(M\) is the mass of the central body, and \(r\) is the distance from the center of mass to the orbiting object.

## Period Connection

For a circular orbit, period follows \(T = 2\pi r / v\). Low Earth orbit speeds are near 7.7 km/s for Earth, while geostationary orbits require much larger radius and lower angular speed.

Related tools: [Earth Orbit Calculator](https://onlineminitools.com/earth-orbit-calculator) and [Escape Velocity Calculator](https://onlineminitools.com/escape-velocity-calculator).

## Frequently Asked Questions

   **Does orbital velocity depend on satellite mass?**

For circular orbits around a much larger body, satellite mass cancels out and does not affect orbital speed.

   **Why is ISS speed about 7.7 km/s?**

At roughly 400 km altitude above Earth, gravitational pull and required centripetal acceleration balance near that speed.

   **Is this formula exact for elliptical orbits?**

This tool assumes a circular orbit. Elliptical paths have speed that varies with position.

   **What units should I use for mass and radius?**

Use SI units: kilograms for mass and meters for radius. The calculator converts altitude in kilometers internally.

   **How is orbital period calculated here?**

Period is computed as \(T = 2\pi r / v\) using the circular-orbit velocity from the same radius.

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### Recent Visits

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