Free Planet Escape Velocity Calculator

Compute the escape velocity from a planet's surface using v_esc = sqrt(2 G M / R).

Save
kg
m

Escape Velocity

11,185.73 m/s

Escape Velocity (km/s)11.1857 km/s

Escape Velocity vs Planet Mass

View formula & how it works →

Planetary Escape Velocity

The escape velocity is the minimum speed an object needs to leave a planet's gravitational well without further propulsion.

Formula

v_esc = sqrt(2 G M / R)

  • *G* = 6.674 x 10^-11 N m2 / kg2
  • *M* = planet mass
  • *R* = planet radius

    • For Earth this is about 11.2 km/s.

    Example Calculation

    Earth: M = 5.972e24 kg, R = 6.371e6 m.

    1. 01v_esc = sqrt(2 G M / R)
    2. 022 G M = 2 * 6.674e-11 * 5.972e24 = 7.972e14
    3. 03v_esc = sqrt(7.972e14 / 6.371e6)
    4. 04v_esc = sqrt(1.251e8)
    5. 05v_esc = 11 186 m/s = 11.19 km/s

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Related Calculators

    Planet Density Calculator

    Bulk density of a planet.

    Gravitational Acceleration Calculator

    Surface gravity.

    Rocket Delta-V Calculator

    Total velocity change for a mission.