What does the ideal model ignore?

It ignores air resistance, wind, spin and lift.

Why is the path a parabola?

Horizontal velocity stays constant while vertical velocity changes under constant gravity.

Does launch height change the best angle?

Yes. If the launch height is above the landing level, the range-maximizing angle can be lower than 45 degrees.

Projectile Motion Calculator

Calculate projectile range, flight time, maximum height, impact speed and trajectory from launch speed, angle and height.

Model

Ideal (vacuum)With air

Planet or body

Educational projectile-motion model for physics, sports and engineering estimates. It does not calculate firearm dope, sight-in adjustments, caliber, ballistic coefficient or atmospheric firing tables.

Initial speed

Launch angle, °

Launch height, m

Angle quick slider45°

Quick angles

Range

63.73 m

Max height

15.93 m

Flight time

3.61 s

to apex: 1.8 s

Impact speed

25 m/s

angle: 45°

Explanation

Ideal model without air resistance.

Flight time: 3.605 s; range: 63.73 m.

Maximum height: 15.93 m; speed before impact: 25 m/s.

Flight trajectory

Reference sports distances

Shot put men23.56 m (Ryan Crouser, 2023)

Javelin throw98.48 m (Jan Zelezny, 1996)

Baseball throw~135 m (Glen Gorbous, 1957)

Long soccer kick~75 m (Tom Hitchcock, 2011)

Longest golf drive471 m (Mike Austin, 1974)

Projectile trajectory and range

The dominant English intent is classroom projectile motion: split initial velocity into horizontal and vertical components, then compute range, flight time and maximum height.

x (t) = v_{0} cos (θ) t

x(t) is horizontal position when horizontal acceleration is zero.

y (t) = h_{0} + v_{0} sin (θ) t - \frac{1}{2} g t^{2}

y(t) is vertical position with gravity downward.

Not a firearms ballistic solver

Educational model

This page is for ideal or simplified projectile motion. It does not model caliber, spin drift, ballistic coefficient, sight height or atmospheric firing tables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and References

Calculations are based on the listed reference sources. Links open in a new tab.

Updated: June 2, 2026

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