What launch angle gives maximum range?

On flat ground (no initial height), 45° gives the maximum range. When launched from a height, the optimal angle is less than 45°. The exact value depends on initial height and velocity.

Why does a projectile follow a parabolic path?

Horizontal velocity is constant (no air resistance). Vertical velocity changes linearly due to constant gravitational acceleration. Combining a linear and constant function produces a parabola.

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Projectile Motion Calculator

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Initial Velocity (m/s)

Launch Angle (°)

Initial Height (m)

Gravity

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Solve projectile motion: max height, range, flight time, impact velocity. Table at 0.5s intervals. Optimal angle shown. Moon gravity option. Metric and imperial.

How to Use

1Enter initial velocity, launch angle (0–90°), and initial height
2Select metric (m/s) or imperial (ft/s) units
3Optionally change gravity (use 1.62 m/s² for Moon, 3.71 m/s² for Mars)
4Click Calculate to see max height, range, flight time, and impact velocity
5The results table shows position and speed at every 0.5-second interval

Features

Inputs: initial velocity, launch angle, initial height, gravity (adjustable)
Outputs: max height, range, flight time, impact velocity (magnitude and angle)
Position/speed table at every 0.5-second interval
Optimal angle for max range
Metric and Imperial units
100% browser-based

Projectile Motion Calculator

How to Use

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