🚗 Car Jump Distance Calculator
Calculate car jump distance
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Launch Speed
Input the car's speed in m/s as it leaves the ramp. This is the velocity at the moment of launch. Convert from km/h by dividing by 3.6 (e.g., 108 km/h = 30 m/s).
Enter Ramp Angle
Enter the ramp's angle in degrees from horizontal. 0° is flat, 45° is optimal for maximum range, and 90° is vertical. Typical ramp angles range from 15° to 60°.
Enter Ramp Height
Input the height of the ramp's edge above the landing surface in meters. This is the vertical distance from the launch point to the ground.
Click Calculate
Press "Calculate" to compute jump distance, maximum height reached, and total time of flight.
Formula
v₀ₓ = v₀ × cos(θ)
v₀ᵧ = v₀ × sin(θ)
t = (v₀ᵧ + √(v₀ᵧ² + 2gh)) / g
Range = v₀ₓ × t
Where:
- vâ‚€ = Initial velocity (m/s)
- θ = Launch angle (degrees)
- v₀ₓ = Horizontal velocity component (m/s)
- v₀ᵧ = Vertical velocity component (m/s)
- h = Ramp height (m)
- g = Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²)
- t = Time of flight (s)
- Range = Horizontal jump distance (m)
Example Calculation:
For a car jumping at 30 m/s, 30° angle, from 5 m height:
1. v₀ₓ = 30 × cos(30°) = 30 × 0.866 = 26.0 m/s
2. v₀ᵧ = 30 × sin(30°) = 30 × 0.5 = 15.0 m/s
3. t = (15 + √(15² + 2×9.81×5)) / 9.81 = (15 + √(225 + 98.1)) / 9.81 = (15 + 17.98) / 9.81 = 3.36 s
4. Range = 26.0 × 3.36 = 87.4 m
About Car Jump Distance Calculator
The Car Jump Distance Calculator uses projectile motion physics to predict how far a vehicle will travel when launched from a ramp. This calculator is useful for stunt coordinators, filmmakers, engineers, and physics students studying projectile motion with an elevated launch point.
Physics Principles
When a car launches from a ramp, it follows a parabolic trajectory determined by its initial velocity components. The horizontal motion is constant velocity (no acceleration), while vertical motion is affected by gravity. The range depends on launch speed, angle, and height above the landing surface.
Key Factors
- Launch Speed: Higher speeds result in longer jumps. Doubling speed roughly quadruples range (if angle is constant).
- Launch Angle: For flat-to-flat jumps, 45° maximizes range. However, elevated launches (like ramp jumps) often benefit from angles less than 45°.
- Ramp Height: Higher launch points increase flight time and range, as the vehicle has more time to travel horizontally while falling.
- Air Resistance: This calculator assumes no air resistance. Real-world jumps will be shorter due to aerodynamic drag.
Practical Applications
- Stunt Planning: Calculate safe landing distances for movie car stunts and ensure adequate safety margins.
- Safety Analysis: Estimate jump distances for accident reconstruction or safety barrier placement.
- Education: Teach projectile motion concepts with engaging real-world examples.
- Engineering: Design ramp systems for vehicle testing or entertainment purposes.
Important Limitations
This calculator provides theoretical results assuming ideal conditions: no air resistance, no vehicle rotation, and point-mass physics. Real-world factors like aerodynamic drag, vehicle attitude changes, and landing surface impact can significantly affect actual jump distances. Always use this for educational/planning purposes only, not for actual stunt execution without professional safety oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What angle gives maximum jump distance?
For level-to-level jumps (h = 0), 45° maximizes range. For elevated launches (ramp height > 0), the optimal angle is less than 45° and depends on both speed and height. The calculator shows results for any angle you input.
Why is my calculated distance longer than real-world jumps?
This calculator ignores air resistance, which significantly reduces jump distance for fast-moving vehicles. Aerodynamic drag can reduce jump distance by 10-30% or more depending on vehicle speed and design. Real jumps also account for landing angle and vehicle dynamics not included here.
Can I use this for motorcycles or other vehicles?
Yes, this calculator works for any projectile launched from a ramp. However, vehicle-specific factors (weight distribution, aerodynamics, rider/object dynamics) aren't accounted for. The results represent the center of mass trajectory.
How do I convert speed from km/h to m/s?
Divide by 3.6. Example: 108 km/h ÷ 3.6 = 30 m/s. Or multiply by 0.2778. For mph to m/s: multiply by 0.447.
Does vehicle weight affect jump distance?
In ideal physics (no air resistance), weight doesn't affect trajectory - all objects fall at the same rate. However, heavier vehicles experience more air resistance due to larger frontal area, which can reduce jump distance in reality.
What if the landing is at a different height?
This calculator assumes landing at ground level (height = 0). For elevated landings, adjust the ramp height value to represent the height difference between launch and landing points.
About Car Jump Distance Calculator
The car jump distance calculator computes jump distance, maximum height, and time of flight for cars launching off ramps.