Practical tools for measured work
Drag, lift and terminal velocity calculator
Calculate drag, lift or signed terminal velocity with explicit area, coefficient and buoyancy.
Calculate the layout, check the diagram, then print the result for the shop or jobsite.
How it works
Drag or lift = ½ρv²CA. The coefficient and reference area must use the same convention. Terminal velocity balances quadratic drag against weight minus buoyancy. Positive velocity means downward; a buoyant object gives a negative upward velocity. Human terminal speed depends on posture, area, clothing and air density; there is no universal value.
Current-input example
The result above uses these exact values. This snapshot is included when the page is printed so the output can be checked against the original measurements.
- Aerodynamic calculation
- Drag force
- Fluid density
- 1.225 kg/m³
- Reference area
- 1 m²
- Force coefficient
- 1
- Relative fluid speed
- 10 m/s
Primary result: Drag force: 61.25 N.
Before using the result
- Check the selected mode, units and input values before using the result.
- Read the assumptions and rounding rules; compare the worked example with your intended calculation.
- A numerical result does not supply missing context or change the stated limitations.
Limitations
Steady uniform fluid and constant coefficient are assumed. Compressibility, changing posture, unsteady motion and coefficient changes with Reynolds number are excluded. Terminal mode requires a positive drag coefficient and area; displaced volume may be zero to omit buoyancy.
Frequently asked questions
Which conditions should I enter?
Use the actual temperature, pressure, material and geometry for your case. Each result uses the assumptions stated below; a numerical result alone does not validate those assumptions.
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