Projectile Motion Calculator

What is Projectile Motion?

Projectile motion describes the trajectory of an object launched into the air under the influence of gravity. The path follows a parabolic curve, determined by the initial velocity and launch angle. The motion splits into two independent components: horizontal (constant velocity) and vertical (constant acceleration due to gravity).

Projectile Motion Formulas

The calculator uses six key equations assuming no air resistance and constant gravity (g = 9.81 m/s²):

• Horizontal Distance: x = vθcos(θ) × t
• Vertical Distance: y = vθsin(θ) × t - ½gt²
• Horizontal Velocity: vx = vθcos(θ)
• Vertical Velocity: vy = vθsin(θ) - gt
• Range (equal elevation): R = vθ²sin(2θ) / g
• Maximum Height: H = vθ²sin²(θ) / (2g)

How to Use the Calculator

Select the equation type from the dropdown, then enter the required values:

• Enter the initial velocity in meters per second
• Enter the launch angle in degrees (0-90)
• For distance and velocity equations that depend on time, enter the time in seconds

Applications

Projectile motion calculations are used in:

• Sports science for analyzing ball trajectories
• Military ballistics for artillery calculations
• Civil engineering for water fountain and drainage design
• Space exploration for suborbital trajectories

Also check: Uniformly Accelerated Motion Calculator, Pendulum Calculator, Force Calculator, Kinetic Energy Calculator, Work Calculator, and Momentum Calculator.