Escape Velocity Calculator

v_e = √(2GM/r). Speed needed to escape gravitational pull of body.

Inputs

Result

Escape velocity
11.186 km/s
11,186 m/s (25,023 mph).
  • Bodyearth
  • Mass M5.972e+24 kg
  • Radius r6371000 m
  • G0.000000000066743 N·m²/kg²
  • v_e11,185.98 m/s
  • v_e (km/s)11.1860
  • v_e (mph)25,023

Step-by-step

  1. v_e = √(2GM/r) = √(2 × 6.6743e-11 × 5.972e+24 / 6371000).
  2. v_e = 11,185.98 m/s = 11.186 km/s.

How to use this calculator

  • Pick a body (or Custom + M, r).
  • Read v_e in km/s and mph.

About this calculator

Escape velocity is the minimum speed needed to break free from a body's gravity (with no further propulsion). Derived from energy conservation: ½mv² = GMm/r. Earth: 11.2 km/s. Moon: 2.4 km/s. Sun (from surface): 617 km/s. Jupiter: 59.5 km/s. Black hole event horizon: c (speed of light, by definition). Note v_e is independent of escaping object's mass — same speed for atom or rocket.

Frequently asked

Yes — gravity force scales with mass; required KE also scales with mass. Cancels out.

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