Parachute Sizing Calculator

Payload Weight Ounces Pounds Grams Kilograms Landing Altitude (ASL) Feet Meters Dual Deploy? Yes No Apogee Altitude (AGL) Feet Meters

Main Deploy Altitude (AGL) Feet Meters

Desired Landing Speed ft/s m/s Calculate

FAQ for Parachute Size Calculator

Q1: What is the Parachute Size Calculator used for?
A: The Parachute Size Calculator helps you determine the optimal parachute size for your rocket, UAV, or research payload based on your specific altitude and landing speed requirements.

Q2: Who is this calculator intended for?
A: This calculator is designed for hobbyist model rocket enthusiasts, educators, and students. It is not intended for professional or commercial recovery system design.

Q3: What information do I need to use the calculator?
A: You’ll need your payload weight, apogee altitude (AGL), main deploy altitude (AGL), and your desired landing speed. “AGL” stands for “Above Ground Level.”

Q4: How accurate are the results?
A: The results are a simple calculation based on standard atmospheric data. Actual performance may vary depending on conditions during your mission.

Q5: Can I purchase the recommended parachute directly from the results?
A: Yes, each result includes a direct link to view and purchase the recommended parachute.

Q6: What are the standard lead times for orders?
A: Typically less than 3 business days for smaller orders and up to 10 business days for larger chutes/orders.

Q7: What is dual deployment?
A: Dual deployment is where a smaller parachute (drogue) is used to control the initial descent before the larger main parachute deploys to softly land the payload.
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Q8: What parameters are used for the recommended products?
A: Main parachute recommendations are limited to safe landing speeds between 10–30 ft/sec (approximately 3–9 m/sec). Drogue parachutes are limited to a maximum speed of 150 ft/sec (about 46 m/sec), with a recommendation of around 100 ft/sec (about 30 m/sec).