Car Jump Distance Calculator
Calculate car jump distance, flight time, and landing parameters using projectile motion physics
⚠️ Safety Warning
This calculator is for educational purposes only. Do not attempt car jumping without professional expertise and safety equipment. Real car jumps involve many additional factors not modeled here.
Basic Jump Parameters
Height of the takeoff ramp above ground
Height of the landing ramp above ground
Angle of the takeoff ramp (launch angle)
Speed of the car at takeoff
Gravitational acceleration (Earth: 9.81 m/s², Moon: 1.62 m/s²)
Advanced Options
Jump Results
Formula used: Projectile motion equations
Initial velocity components: vₓ = 41.8 m/s, vᵧ = 15.2 m/s
Performance Analysis
Example Calculation
Hollywood Stunt Example
Takeoff height: 5 meters
Landing height: 5 meters
Ramp angle: 20 degrees
Takeoff speed: 160 km/h (44.4 m/s)
Car mass: 1500 kg (Subaru WRX STI)
Calculation Steps
1. Convert speed: 160 km/h = 44.4 m/s
2. Convert angle: 20° = 0.349 radians
3. Initial velocity components:
vₓ = 44.4 × cos(20°) = 41.7 m/s
vᵧ = 44.4 × sin(20°) = 15.2 m/s
4. Time of flight: t = (vᵧ + √(vᵧ² + 2gh))/g = 3.1 s
5. Range: x = vₓ × t = 129.5 meters
Famous Car Jump Records
Travis Pastrana (2009)
269 ft (82 m) over river
Long Beach, California
Tanner Foust (2011)
332 ft (101 m) Hot Wheels ramp
Indianapolis 500
Bryce Menzies (2016)
379 ft (116 m) world record
New Mexico ghost town
Key Physics Concepts
Projectile Motion
Parabolic trajectory under gravity
Initial Velocity
Launch speed and angle determine range
Air Resistance
Drag force reduces range and speed
Car Rotation
Torque causes car to tilt during flight
Safety Tips
Never attempt without professional training
Start with small ramps and low speeds
Consider car rotation during landing
This calculator is educational only
Understanding Car Jump Physics
Basic Projectile Motion
When a car leaves the ramp, it becomes a projectile following a parabolic trajectory. The initial velocity is split into horizontal (vₓ) and vertical (vᵧ) components based on the launch angle.
Key Equations
Range: x = vₓ × t
Height: y = h₀ + vᵧt - ½gt²
Time of flight: t = (vᵧ + √(vᵧ² + 2gh))/g
Factors Affecting Jump Distance
- •Launch Speed: Higher speed increases range quadratically
- •Launch Angle: Optimal angle is typically 45° for maximum range
- •Height Difference: Higher takeoff extends range
- •Air Resistance: Reduces range and causes asymmetric trajectory
Note: Real car jumps involve additional complexities like car rotation, suspension dynamics, and aerodynamic effects not fully captured in this simplified model.
Advanced Considerations
Air Resistance
Drag force is proportional to velocity squared and affects both horizontal and vertical motion components.
Car Rotation
Torque from gravity causes the car to rotate during flight, affecting landing angle and safety.
Real-World Factors
Suspension compression, tire grip, wind conditions, and car aerodynamics all affect actual performance.