Free Fall Calculator
Estimate how long an object takes to fall and how fast it is moving when it lands, based on the drop height and the local gravity.
What this calculator does
The free fall calculator finds how long an object takes to fall a given height and how fast it is moving the instant it lands, assuming no air resistance and a constant gravitational acceleration.
The formula
Free fall follows the standard kinematic equation h = v₀t + ½gt², where h is the drop height, v₀ is any initial downward speed, g is the gravitational acceleration, and t is time. Solving for time gives the fall duration, and the impact speed is found from v = v₀ + gt.
You can switch the gravity value to see how the same drop height plays out on the Moon, Mars, or Jupiter, since the acceleration due to gravity differs on each.
- Air resistance is ignored, so real-world falling objects such as leaves or parachutes will behave differently.
- This tool is for general educational and planning purposes, not for engineering or safety-critical calculations.