Calculators · Vehicle
Acceleration, 0–100 km/h and quarter-mile calculator
How quickly a vehicle accelerates depends on the force available to push it and the mass it has to move. These calculators give the force and power needed for a chosen acceleration, the theoretical best 0–100 km/h time for a given power and weight, and the classic quarter-mile estimates drag racers have used for decades. All three are estimates that assume ideal conditions.
Force and power for a target acceleration
Works out the tractive force needed to accelerate a vehicle at a chosen rate, including rolling resistance, and the power that requires at a given speed. Air drag is left out, so the result is most accurate at lower speeds.
F = m × a + m × g × Crr P = F × v
Theoretical best 0–100 km/h time
Uses the energy needed to reach 100 km/h and the power reaching the wheels to find the shortest possible time. Real cars are slower because of wheelspin, gear changes and air drag, so treat this as a lower limit.
t = m × v² / (2 × P × η)
Quarter-mile time and trap speed
Estimates quarter-mile (402 m) elapsed time and finishing speed from power and weight, using the long-established empirical formulas drag racers use. Weight should include the driver; results assume good traction.
ET = 5.825 × (lb / hp)^(1/3) trap [mph] = 234 × (hp / lb)^(1/3)
Worked example: a 150 kW family car
- Reaching 100 km/h (27.8 m/s) with 1,500 kg needs ½ × 1,500 × 27.8² = 579 kJ of kinetic energy.
- With 85% of 150 kW at the wheels (127.5 kW), the minimum time is 579 / 127.5 = 4.5 s. A real car of this power typically takes 7–8 s.
- A 3,000 lb (1,361 kg) car with 300 hp runs the quarter mile in about 12.6 s at about 109 mph.
Typical 0–100 km/h times
| Vehicle type | 0–100 km/h |
|---|---|
| Small economy car | about 11 – 14 s |
| Family car | about 8 – 10 s |
| Hot hatch | about 5.5 – 7 s |
| Sports car | about 4 – 5 s |
| Supercar or fast electric car | about 2.5 – 3.5 s |
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About these results
Results are theoretical estimates from standard engineering formulas. Real-world figures depend on conditions these formulas do not capture. Always follow the manufacturer's specifications for maintenance, loading and safety decisions.
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