Momentum CalculatorFree online science calculator — instant results, no sign-up
Calculate momentum from mass and velocity (p = mv).
About the Momentum Calculator
The Momentum Calculator calculates an object's linear momentum from its mass in kilograms and velocity in meters per second using p = m × v. With the default mass of 1200 kg and velocity of 27.8 m/s, it returns a momentum of 33,360 kg·m/s.
- Mass (kg)
- The object's mass in kilograms (kg), with a default value of 1200.
- Velocity (m/s)
- The object's velocity in meters per second (m/s), with a default value of 27.8.
Formula and method
p = m × v
- pLinear momentum, measured in kilogram-meters per second (kg·m/s).
- mMass of the object, measured in kilograms (kg).
- vVelocity of the object, measured in meters per second (m/s).
Multiply the entered mass by the entered velocity. The units multiply as kg × m/s = kg·m/s. For the default inputs, p = 1200 × 27.8 = 33,360 kg·m/s.
Worked example
These are the calculator's starting values and the results it actually produces for them.
Inputs
- Mass1200 kg
- Velocity27.8 m/s
Results
- Momentum33,360 kg·m/s
- Formulap = m × v
How to use the Momentum Calculator
- 1Enter the object's mass in Mass (kg); the default is 1200.
- 2Enter its velocity in Velocity (m/s); the default is 27.8.
- 3Confirm that mass is in kilograms and velocity is in meters per second, converting other units before entry.
- 4Calculate the result using p = m × v.
- 5Read the Momentum row and check the Formula row; the default inputs give 33,360 kg·m/s using p = m × v.
Reading your result
The Momentum row reports the product of mass and velocity in kg·m/s; for the default inputs, it displays 33,360 kg·m/s. If velocity is entered as a signed component along a chosen axis, the momentum has the same sign and direction as that velocity. If the input is speed rather than a signed velocity component, the result is momentum magnitude. The Formula row displays p = m × v, the relationship used to obtain the result.
Limitations
This tool uses classical linear momentum, which is appropriate at speeds much lower than the speed of light; relativistic speeds require a different formula. A single velocity input represents a one-dimensional component or a speed, not a full three-dimensional velocity vector. Mass should be nonnegative, and velocity must be measured relative to a specified reference frame. The result inherits the precision of the inputs and does not by itself determine kinetic energy, stopping distance, or collision force.
Common questions
How do the default inputs produce 33,360 kg·m/s?+
The calculator multiplies the mass of 1200 kg by the velocity of 27.8 m/s: p = 1200 × 27.8 = 33,360 kg·m/s.
What does a negative momentum result mean?+
For nonnegative mass, negative momentum means the entered velocity points opposite to your chosen positive direction. It indicates direction, not a negative amount of mass.
Can I enter velocity in kilometers per hour?+
Convert kilometers per hour to meters per second by dividing by 3.6 before entering the value. This calculator uses m/s directly and does not treat the velocity input as km/h.
Can this momentum result tell me the force needed to stop the object?+
Not by itself. Average net stopping force requires the change in momentum divided by the stopping time, F_avg = Δp / Δt. This calculator provides momentum but does not include a stopping-time input.
Does the calculator save my information?+
Calculations run in your browser. While signed in, inputs and results are automatically recorded in account history; saving a result creates a separate saved record.
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Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial, medical or legal advice.