Descent Rate Calculator

Enter total rocket weight minus propellant:
Enter parachute diameter:

Choose the shape of your parachute (Choose the closest shape to the shape of your chute if it is not listed here)

How did you measure the diameter of your chute (if it isn't a circle)?

Choose a unit to calculate with

Descent speed: (descent speeds are rounded to three decimal places)

Some people go by the rule of thumb that a rocket should hit the ground between 15 to 20 ft/sec for a safe landing.

For 15 ft/sec

Your round parachute should be about inches or feet diameter to come down at this speed.

Your square parachute should be about inches or feet diameter to come down at this speed.

Your xform parachute should be about inches or feet diameter to come down at this speed.

For 20 ft/sec

Your round parachute should be about inches or feet diameter to come down at this speed.

Your square parachute should be about inches or feet diameter to come down at this speed.

Your xform parachute should be about inches or feet diameter to come down at this speed.

Hit the "Clear" button to clear the form and re-enter your data