Orbital Velocity Calculator

The Orbital Velocity Calculator is built for satellite operators and students calculating stable circular motion in space. It balances centripetal force against gravitational pull to find the circular orbit speed.

The calculator adds altitude to the body's radius and solves the force-balance equation.

• Size satellite orbits.
• Check ISS or GPS orbit speeds.
• Teach orbital mechanics.

For a circular orbit, the required velocity is v = sqrt(GM / r)

Use the formula panel beside the calculator to keep the variables visible while you enter values.

• G = gravitational constant
• M = body mass
• r = orbital radius (radius + altitude)

Enter body mass, body radius, and the altitude above the surface. The calculator keeps the fields focused on this specific problem so you do not have to adapt a generic velocity form by hand.

After you press Calculate, the result panel shows orbital velocity, orbital period, and common speed units. Reset clears the example values so you can start a fresh scenario.

• Use consistent real-world measurements for the selected scenario.
• Check that time, area, mass, or temperature values are positive where the formula requires them.
• Read the step-by-step substitution before using the final number in homework, design notes, or planning.

For a 400 km orbit around Earth, the required velocity is about 7,660 m/s.

Higher orbits require lower velocities but have much longer orbital periods.

The extra output rows give practical companion values so the answer is easier to compare against common units or planning targets.

The orbit is assumed to be perfectly circular and atmospheric drag is ignored.

For professional engineering, safety, aviation, ballistics, medical, or project-management decisions, treat the result as a calculation aid and verify it against the standards used in your field.