Bullet Energy Calculator

This Bullet Energy Calculator allows users to input bullet weight and velocity to calculate the kinetic energy in foot-pounds and joules, as well as the bullet’s momentum.

Use Our Bullet Energy Calculator

How to Use the Bullet Energy Calculator

Step 1: Gather Required Information

Before using the Bullet Energy Calculator, ensure you have the necessary information about the bullet you are assessing. You will need to know the bullet’s weight in grains and its velocity in feet per second (fps).

Step 2: Input Bullet Weight

Locate the field labeled “Bullet Weight (grains)”. Enter the weight of the bullet you are evaluating. The input must be a numeric value between 1 and 1000 grains, and it can have decimal points up to one place with a step of 0.1 grains. It is important to enter an accurate weight to ensure the result is as precise as possible.

Step 3: Input Muzzle Velocity

Next, find the field labeled “Velocity (fps)”. Enter the muzzle velocity of the bullet. The value should be a whole number between 1 and 5000 fps. This step is crucial because the velocity significantly impacts the calculated energy and momentum.

Step 4: Review the Calculated Results

Once both fields are filled, the calculator will automatically compute the bullet’s energy and momentum based on the provided inputs. You will see the following results:

  • Kinetic Energy (ft-lbs): This result shows the energy of the bullet in foot-pounds. It is calculated using the formula (bulletWeight * pow(velocity, 2)) / 450240. The energy value is displayed with one decimal place and a suffix “ft-lbs”.
  • Kinetic Energy (Joules): This is the equivalent energy in joules, obtained by multiplying the foot-pounds value by 1.35582. It is also rounded to one decimal place and displayed with a “J” suffix.
  • Momentum: The bullet’s momentum, calculated using the formula (bulletWeight * velocity) / 225170, is presented as lb-s (pound-seconds) with two decimal places for precision.

Step 5: Interpret the Results

Use the calculated energy and momentum values to understand the bullet’s performance. Higher kinetic energy indicates more power, while higher momentum represents the bullet’s ability to transfer force over time. These metrics can help in determining the bullet’s suitability for specific applications.