Escape Velocity

Calculate the speed needed to escape a spherical body’s gravity without further propulsion.

How this calculator works

Enter the values for value, rate (%) and review the units before calculating.

Formula / method

vₑ = √(2GM ÷ r)

Worked example

Earth’s mass and radius give an escape speed of about 11.19 km/s.

Assumptions and limitations

The body is spherical, non-rotating and atmospheric drag is ignored.

Escape velocity is not a launch trajectory or fuel estimate.

Sources and methodology references