Last Updated: October 20, 2025
Calculate time of flight for projectile motion instantly with our advanced 2025 physics calculator to analyze projectile duration and flight characteristics for educational and professional applications.
Enter the initial velocity and launch angle values in your preferred units. The calculator will automatically convert between units and display the time of flight in multiple formats. Results update instantly as you type.
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The Time of Flight Calculator is a specialized tool that calculates the total time a projectile spends in the air from launch to landing. This fundamental concept is essential for understanding projectile motion and ballistics.
For more information about time of flight and projectile motion, visit Wikipedia: Projectile Motion and Wikipedia: Ballistics.
In physics, time of flight depends on the initial velocity, launch angle, and gravitational acceleration. The projectile follows a parabolic path, and the time to return to the same vertical level is determined by the vertical component of motion. This principle is fundamental in understanding ballistics and is essential for range calculations and maximum height analysis.
Time of flight is the duration a projectile spends in the air from launch to landing.
Whether you're studying physics, analyzing ballistics, understanding sports trajectories, or solving problems involving projectile motion, this calculator provides accurate, instant results with flexible unit conversions to meet your specific needs. For related calculations, explore our projectile motion calculator, trajectory calculator, projectile range calculator, maximum height calculator, and muzzle velocity calculator.
T = 2v₀sin(θ)/g
This formula calculates time of flight using initial velocity, launch angle, and gravitational acceleration.
Initial velocity (v₀) is the speed at which the projectile is launched. Higher initial velocities result in longer flight times because the projectile travels further before gravity brings it back down.
Launch angle (θ) is the angle at which the projectile is launched relative to the horizontal. The optimal angle for maximum time of flight is 90° (straight up), but this results in zero horizontal range.
Important relationships in projectile motion:
The time of flight calculation is crucial for understanding projectile motion and ballistics. It helps determine how long a projectile will be in the air and is essential for calculating range, maximum height, and trajectory analysis.
| Field/Application | Typical Flight Time | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Ballistics | 0.5-5.0 seconds | Critical for performance analysis and strategy |
| Artillery Systems | 10-60 seconds | Essential for targeting and accuracy |
| Rocket Launches | 300-600 seconds | Critical for mission planning and trajectory |
| Water Sports | 1-10 seconds | Important for safety and performance |
| Fireworks Displays | 2-15 seconds | Essential for timing and safety |
| Agricultural Spraying | 1-5 seconds | Critical for coverage and efficiency |
| Educational Physics | 0.1-10 seconds | Fundamental for understanding motion principles |
| Military Applications | 5-300 seconds | Critical for weapon systems and defense |
Given:
Step 1: Apply time of flight formula
T = 2v₀sin(θ)/g
Step 2: Substitute values
T = 2 × 20 × sin(30°) / 9.81
Step 3: Calculate sin(30°)
sin(30°) = 0.5
Step 4: Calculate time of flight
T = 2 × 20 × 0.5 / 9.81 = 20 / 9.81 = 2.04 seconds
Final Answer
2.04 seconds
Time of flight
Given:
Step 1: Apply time of flight formula
T = 2v₀sin(θ)/g
Step 2: Substitute values
T = 2 × 100 × sin(45°) / 9.81
Step 3: Calculate sin(45°)
sin(45°) = 0.707
Step 4: Calculate time of flight
T = 2 × 100 × 0.707 / 9.81 = 141.4 / 9.81 = 14.4 seconds
Final Answer
14.4 seconds
Time of flight
Given:
Step 1: Apply time of flight formula
T = 2v₀sin(θ)/g
Step 2: Substitute values
T = 2 × 8 × sin(60°) / 9.81
Step 3: Calculate sin(60°)
sin(60°) = 0.866
Step 4: Calculate time of flight
T = 2 × 8 × 0.866 / 9.81 = 13.86 / 9.81 = 1.41 seconds
Final Answer
1.41 seconds
Time of flight
💡 Did you know? The longest recorded time of flight for a human projectile (skydiver) is about 4 minutes and 20 seconds!
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