Terminal Velocity of an 80 kg Skydiver (Head-Down)
In a head-down dive position, a skydiver presents a much smaller cross-section, dramatically increasing terminal velocity.
How to use this tool
- Enter mass, gravitational acceleration, drag coefficient cd, fluid density ρ and cross-sectional area a in the fields above.
- Results update instantly as you type — or click Calculate.
- Read your terminal velocity and the full breakdown beneath it.
Head-down freefalling drastically reduces the effective cross-sectional area, letting skydivers reach speeds well above 150 m/s.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a typical skydiver terminal velocity?
- In a spread-eagle position (Cd≈1.0, A≈0.7 m²) around 55–60 m/s (200 km/h). Head-down (Cd≈0.7, A≈0.3 m²) can reach ~80 m/s (290 km/h).
- What drag coefficient should I use?
- Sphere: 0.47, cube: 1.05, flat disk: 1.17, skydiver prone: ~1.0, streamlined body: 0.04–0.1.