Ballistic Coefficient Calculator
Calculate the ballistic coefficient of projectiles using mass, cross-sectional area, and drag coefficient. Essential for ballistics analysis and projectile performance evaluation.
Ballistic Coefficient Calculation
Enter projectile parameters to calculate ballistic coefficient
Dimensionless coefficient (typical range: 0.1-0.5)
Formula: B = m / (Cd × A)
Where: B = Ballistic Coefficient (kg/m²), m = mass (kg), Cd = drag coefficient, A = area (m²)
Results
Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
Understanding Ballistic Coefficient
What is Ballistic Coefficient?
Ballistic coefficient (BC) is a measure of a projectile's ability to overcome air resistance in flight. Higher BC values indicate better aerodynamic efficiency and less velocity loss over distance.
Example Calculation
Given:
- Mass (m) = 180 g = 0.180 kg
- Area (A) = 400 mm² = 4.00 × 10⁻⁴ m²
- Drag coefficient (Cd) = 0.30
Calculation:
B = 0.180 / (0.30 × 4.00 × 10⁻⁴)
B = 0.180 / (1.20 × 10⁻⁴)
B ≈ 1500 kg/m²
Key Relationships
- Sectional Density (SD): SD = m / A (mass per unit area)
- Alternative form: B = SD / Cd
- Higher BC: Better long-range performance, less wind drift
- Typical values: 0.2-0.8 kg/m² (bullets), 0.1-0.3 kg/m² (pellets)