Recoil Energy Calculator

Calculate firearm recoil energy, velocity, and impulse using momentum conservation principles

Calculate Recoil Energy

Firearm Configuration (Optional)

Choose a preset to automatically fill in common firearm specifications

Projectile Properties

Bullet Mass (Mb)

Bullet Velocity (Vb)

Powder Charge

Powder Mass (Mc)

Powder Charge Velocity (Vc)

Typical values: Rifles ~1585 m/s, Handguns ~1707 m/s, BMG ~1433 m/s

Firearm Properties

Firearm Mass (Mf)

Total mass of the firearm including all components

Recoil Analysis Results

0.000 m/s

Recoil Velocity

(0.00 fps)

0.00 J

Recoil Energy

(0.00 ft⋅lbf)

0.000 N⋅s

Recoil Impulse

(kg⋅m/s)

Formula: Vf = (Mb × Vb + Mc × Vc) / (Mf × 1000), Er = 0.5 × Mf × Vf²

Conservation of momentum: Total momentum before = Total momentum after firing

Example Calculation

M14 Rifle with 7.62x51 mm NATO

Bullet mass (Mb): 10.1 g

Bullet velocity (Vb): 845 m/s

Powder mass (Mc): 3.1 g

Powder velocity (Vc): 1574.8 m/s

Firearm mass (Mf): 4.5 kg

Step-by-step Calculation

1. Vf = (10.1 × 845 + 3.1 × 1574.8) / (4.5 × 1000)

2. Vf = (8,534.5 + 4,881.88) / 4,500

3. Vf = 13,416.38 / 4,500 = 2.98 m/s

4. Er = 0.5 × 4.5 × 2.98² = 20.0 J

5. Ir = 4.5 × 2.98 = 13.41 N⋅s

Recoil Energy Classification

Very Light< 5 J

Light5-10 J

Moderate10-20 J

Heavy20-35 J

Very Heavy> 35 J

Typical Powder Velocities

Handguns/Shotguns1707 m/s

Rifles1585 m/s

BMG Cartridges1433 m/s

Black Powder686 m/s

Recoil Tips

✓

Heavier firearms reduce felt recoil

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Muzzle brakes can reduce recoil by 20-50%

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Proper stance and grip help manage recoil

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Recoil affects follow-up shot accuracy

Understanding Recoil Energy

What is Recoil Energy?

Recoil energy is the kinetic energy imparted to a firearm when it is discharged. According to Newton's third law of motion, the forward momentum given to the projectile and powder gases creates an equal and opposite momentum in the firearm, resulting in recoil.