Free White Dwarf Radius Calculator
Estimate the radius of a white dwarf using the mass-radius relation: R/R_sun ~ 0.0126 * (M/M_sun)^(-1/3) for non-relativistic degeneracy.
M_sun
Radius (R_sun)
0.014939 R_sun
Radius (km)10,393 km
Radius (R_Earth)1.6313 R_Earth
Radius (R_sun) vs White Dwarf Mass
White Dwarf Mass-Radius Relation
White dwarfs are supported by electron degeneracy pressure. An unusual property: more massive white dwarfs are smaller.
Approximate Relation
R / R_sun ≈ 0.0126 × (M/M_sun)^(-1/3)
A 0.6 M_sun white dwarf is roughly Earth-sized. As mass approaches the Chandrasekhar limit (1.4 M_sun), the radius shrinks toward zero.
Example Calculation
A 0.6 M_sun white dwarf.
- 01R/R_sun = 0.0126 × 0.6^(-1/3)
- 020.6^(-1/3) = 1/(0.6^(1/3)) = 1/0.8434 = 1.1856
- 03R/R_sun = 0.0126 × 1.1856 = 0.01494
- 04R = 0.01494 × 695700 = 10 394 km ≈ 1.63 R_Earth