Physics

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Projectile Time-of-Flight Calculator.

Calculate ideal no-drag flight time when launch and landing heights match.

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Results update as you type.

Time of flight: 2.884193 s

Time of flight

2.884193s

Results update automatically as you type.

Use Cases

Physics homework and exam prep

Quickly verify time-of-flight calculations for projectile motion problems where launch and landing heights are the same, such as a ball thrown from ground level.

Example: A ball thrown at 20 m/s at 45° on Earth (g=9.81 m/s²) stays airborne about 2.88 seconds.

Sports and hobby analysis

Estimate hang time for a kicked ball or a thrown object when air resistance is negligible, helping to understand basic projectile behavior.

Example: A football punted at 25 m/s at 30° has a flight time of about 2.55 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this calculator determine?
It calculates the time a projectile stays in the air (time of flight) assuming no air resistance and that the launch and landing heights are equal. You input initial speed (m/s), launch angle (degrees), and gravity (m/s²).
Why is the launch angle important?
The launch angle affects the vertical component of the initial velocity. A higher angle (up to 90°) gives more vertical speed, increasing flight time, while a lower angle reduces it. The formula uses the sine of the angle.
Can I use this for real-world projectiles?
This calculator assumes ideal conditions with no air drag and equal launch/landing heights. Real-world results may differ due to air resistance, wind, and terrain. It's best for physics problems or rough estimates.

Tips & Common Mistakes

Tips

  • Ensure the launch and landing heights are equal; otherwise, the formula used here won't apply.
  • Use consistent units: initial speed in m/s, angle in degrees, and gravity in m/s². The calculator handles the conversion internally.
  • For maximum flight time at a given speed, use a 90° launch angle (straight up).
  • Remember that this is an ideal calculation; real-world factors like air resistance will reduce actual flight time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forgetting to convert launch angle to radians if doing manual calculations, but this calculator accepts degrees directly.
  • Using the calculator for scenarios where launch and landing heights differ, which would require a more complex formula.
  • Assuming the result is accurate for real-world projectiles with significant air resistance or wind.

Last updated: August 13, 2026