Use this calculator for flight-planning study or a first-pass cross-check when all inputs describe the same aircraft, atmospheric condition, and phase of flight.

Horizontal distance (ft)

Horizontal distance covered during the descent.

Altitude lost (ft)

Altitude lost during the descent.

Compute the glide ratio as horizontal distance covered per unit of altitude lost. The tool evaluates the supplied inputs together and returns the named outputs below; it does not infer omitted operating conditions or change the units shown.^[1]

Glide ratio

Distance travelled forward per unit of altitude, for example nine for a 9:1 glider.

• Do not use a generic calculator in place of the current aircraft flight manual, approved performance data, operating limitations, NOTAMs, weather, or regulations. Real performance changes with configuration, runway condition, altitude, temperature, wind, loading, and technique.
• Use finite inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final presentation requires. Independently verify safety-critical, financial, compliance, or production decisions.

Cross-check the result against the aircraft flight manual or approved planning system, then apply the required safety margins. Keep signed wind, heading, altitude, speed, and fuel conventions explicit.

• Glide Distance Calculator

  Compute how far an aircraft can glide from an altitude at a given glide ratio.

• Climb Gradient Calculator

  Compute the climb gradient as altitude gained over horizontal distance flown.

• Descent Angle Calculator

  Compute the flight path angle of a descent from the altitude lost over a given distance.