Free Length Contraction Calculator
Calculate relativistic length contraction using L = L0 * sqrt(1 - v²/c²).
m
Contracted Length
43.5890 m
Contraction56.41 %
Contracted Length vs Proper Length (rest frame)
Length Contraction
Objects in relative motion appear contracted along the direction of motion.
Formula
L = L_0 * sqrt(1 - v²/c²) = L_0 / gamma
where L_0 is the proper length (measured at rest). This is only along the direction of motion; perpendicular dimensions are unchanged.
Example Calculation
A 100 m spaceship traveling at 90% the speed of light.
- 01L = L0 * sqrt(1 - v²/c²)
- 02L = 100 * sqrt(1 - 0.81)
- 03L = 100 * sqrt(0.19)
- 04L = 100 * 0.4359
- 05L = 43.59 m (56.4% shorter)
Frequently Asked Questions
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