What is the time of flight formula?

For a launch from ground level at speed v0 and angle θ, time of flight T = 2·v0·sin(θ)/g. When launching from a height h0 above the landing surface, the quadratic formula gives T = (v0·sin(θ) + √(v0²·sin²(θ) + 2·g·h0)) / g.

Which angle gives the longest time of flight?

A 90-degree (straight-up) launch maximizes time of flight for a given speed because all of the vertical velocity component is used. For maximum range on flat ground, 45 degrees is optimal.

Does air resistance affect time of flight?

Yes — drag reduces both the peak height and horizontal range, which shortens airborne time. This calculator uses the ideal (no-drag) model standard in introductory physics.

What gravity value should I use?

Use 9.81 m/s² for Earth at sea level, which is the standard physics value. The calculator includes presets for the Moon (1.62 m/s²), Mars (3.72 m/s²), and Jupiter (24.79 m/s²).

How do I convert the result to milliseconds?

Multiply the seconds result by 1000. For example, a time of flight of 2.04 s equals 2040 ms.

Can I use this for a horizontally launched projectile?

Yes. Set the launch angle to 0 degrees and enter the initial height. The calculator will use the drop time formula T = √(2·h0/g) automatically.

Time Of Flight Calculator

Name: Time Of Flight Calculator
Availability: InStock
Author: Nham Vu

Calculate the time a projectile stays airborne, its maximum height, and horizontal range from initial velocity and launch angle.

Launch Parameters

Initial Speed

Launch Angle (degrees)

0° (horizontal) 45° 90° (vertical)

Launch Height (above landing surface)

Gravity

Distance Output Units

Enter launch parameters and click Calculate.

Summary

Calculate the time a projectile stays airborne, its maximum height, and horizontal range from initial velocity and launch angle.

How it works

Enter the initial speed of the projectile and choose your preferred units.
Set the launch angle in degrees (0 = horizontal, 90 = straight up).
Optionally enter a launch height above the landing surface.
Select a gravity preset (Earth, Moon, Mars, etc.) or enter a custom value.
Click Calculate to get time of flight, max height, and horizontal range.
Use the step-by-step breakdown to verify formulas against textbook problems.

Use cases

Physics homework — solving projectile motion problems step by step.
Sports science — estimating hang time for throws, kicks, or jumps.
Game development — validating ballistic arc timings against the analytical model.
Engineering — approximating time-of-flight for unpowered ballistic objects.
Classroom demos — showing how launch angle and speed affect airborne time.
Comparing planetary gravity — seeing how time of flight changes on the Moon or Mars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-06-10 · Reviewed by Nham Vu