Escape Velocity Calculator
Calculate the minimum speed an object must reach to break free from a celestial body's gravitational pull.
Default: Earth (5.972e24 kg)
Default: Earth (6371 km)
What is Escape Velocity?
Escape velocity is the minimum speed needed for a free, non-propelled object to escape from the gravitational influence of a massive body, reaching an infinite distance from it.
The Physics Behind It
The formula for escape velocity is v = √(2GM / R). It depends only on the mass (M) and the radius (R) of the body you are escaping from, not the mass of the escaping object itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Earth's escape velocity?
Earth's escape velocity is approximately 11.186 km/s (25,020 mph).
Does a rocket need to reach escape velocity to reach orbit?
No. Orbit requires a lower speed (orbital velocity). Escape velocity is needed to leave Earth's gravity entirely, such as for missions to Mars or the Moon.