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Rate of Climb Calculator

Rate of climb needed for an altitude change, and the gradient it represents.

Enter values

Results update as you type.

Result

Rate of climb required

700 ft/min

Altitude change
7,000 ft
Rate of climb
700 ft/min
Time required
10 min
Climb gradient
7.68 %
Gradient in ft per nm
466.7
Distance covered in the climb
15 nm

About the Rate of Climb Calculator

Rate of climb needed for an altitude change, and the gradient it represents.

Also known as: climb rate calculator, fpm calculator, climb gradient, vertical speed calculator.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter calculate, starting altitude, target altitude, groundspeed and the other fields.
  2. The result updates instantly as you type — press Calculate (or Enter) at any time.
  3. Review the breakdown shown under the main result.
  4. Use Copy result or Share to save the answer or send a link with your inputs.

Formula

rate = altitude change ÷ time · gradient % = rate ÷ (GS × 101.27) × 100

Worked example

Using the values pre-filled in the calculator above:

  • Calculate: Rate of climb
  • Starting altitude = 1,000 ft
  • Target altitude = 8,000 ft
  • Time available = 10 min
  • Groundspeed = 90 knots

the calculator returns:

  • Rate of climb required: 700 ft/min
  • Altitude change: 7,000 ft
  • Rate of climb: 700 ft/min
  • Time required: 10 min