Air Density Effect on Parachute Descent Rate Calculator

Air Density Effect on Parachute Descent Rate Calculator

Mass (kg): Parachute Area (m²): Drag Coefficient (Cd): Air Density (ρ) in kg/m³:

What is the Descent Rate?

The descent rate is the terminal velocity at which a parachute slows down an object falling through the air. It depends on air resistance (drag), gravity, and the object’s weight.

Formula

v = √(2mg / ρCdA)

v = Descent Rate (m/s)
m = Mass (kg)
g = Gravity (9.81 m/s²)
ρ = Air Density (kg/m³)
Cd = Drag Coefficient
A = Parachute Area (m²)

Applications

This calculation is essential in:

Skydiving and parachute design
Payload drop systems in aerospace
Meteorological balloon recovery
Sports science and safety systems