Ballistic Bullet Drop Calculator
Estimate bullet drop in inches, time of flight, and terminal energy at a given range using simplified ballistic equations.
Results
What is it?
This calculator estimates how far a bullet drops below the line of bore at a given range. It uses simplified flat-fire ballistic equations � the bullet is treated as a projectile in a vacuum subject to gravity, with a rough velocity decay approximation. Disclaimer: results are for educational and range planning use only. Always follow all firearm safety rules and local laws.
How to use
Enter your load's muzzle velocity (from the ammunition box or a chronograph), bullet weight, the target range in yards, and the G1 ballistic coefficient (found on bullet or ammo manufacturer data sheets). The calculator returns an approximate drop, time of flight, and remaining energy at that distance.
Example scenario
A .308 Win load with a 168-grain BTHP at 2,680 fps and a G1 BC of 0.47 shot at 500 yards: time of flight � 0.56 s, drop � 58 inches (~4.8 feet), and terminal energy � 1,200 ft-lbf. These numbers help a shooter dial in an initial elevation correction before live-fire zero confirmation.
Pro tip
This calculator uses a simplified model. For precise long-range work, use a full external ballistics solver (e.g. Applied Ballistics or JBM Ballistics) that accounts for atmospheric conditions, Coriolis, spin drift, and your specific bullet's drag curve. Always confirm zero on the range before any critical application.