Space Physics: Escape Velocity, Orbits and Gravity Explained
The physics that governs rockets, satellites and stars — gravity, escape velocity, orbital speed, surface gravity, the scale of the cosmos and the strange mathematics of black holes.
Escape Velocity Calculator
Verified formula Updated Jun 2026 Private — runs on your device
Verified formula
Private
Escape velocity
11.186
- In metres per second
- 11,185.7
For general information only — not financial, tax, legal or medical advice. Verify before you rely on it.
How to use the Escape Velocity Calculator
The Escape Velocity Calculator works out your escape velocity, along with 1 related figure in an instant. Enter mass of the body and radius and the result updates as you type — it is free, needs no sign-up, and runs entirely in your browser so your figures stay private.
- Enter the mass of the body.
- Enter the radius.
- Read off your escape velocity, together with in metres per second — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
Formula
The Escape Velocity Calculator uses the formula:
Escape velocity = √(2 × 0.00000000006674 × Mass of the body ÷ (Radius × 1000)) ÷ 1000
Worked example
For example, with mass of the body of 5,972,000,000,000,000,327,155,712 kg and radius of 6,371 km, the escape velocity is 11.186.
| Mass of the body | 5,972,000,000,000,000,327,155,712 kg |
|---|---|
| Radius | 6,371 km |
| Escape velocity | 11.186 |
|---|---|
| In metres per second | 11,185.7 |
Results are estimates for educational use, not professional advice.
Key terms explained
- Velocity
- The speed of an object in a given direction.
- Radius
- The distance from the centre of a circle or sphere to its edge.
Frequently asked questions
It is the minimum speed needed to break free of a body's gravity without further thrust. For Earth it is about 11.2 km/s.
Use v = √(2GM ÷ r), where G is the gravitational constant, M the mass and r the radius. Enter mass in kg and radius in km.
No. Escape velocity is the same for any object, large or small, because gravity accelerates all masses equally.
Its enormous mass creates strong gravity, so the escape velocity is around 60 km/s, far higher than Earth's.
Enter the mass of the body. Enter the radius. Read off your escape velocity, together with in metres per second — the calculator updates automatically, with no button to press.
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