Glide Ratio and Glide Distance Calculator

Glide ratio is the horizontal distance traveled per unit of height lost. A ratio of 10:1 means the aircraft moves 10 feet forward for every 1 foot it descends, so it is a direct measure of how efficiently a wing trades altitude for range.

Glide distance equals the glide ratio multiplied by your height above the ground. At 10:1 from 5000 feet you get 50,000 feet, which the tool then divides by 6076.12 to show about 8.23 nautical miles.

Clear the Glide ratio field, then enter the horizontal distance you glided and the altitude you lost over that same stretch. The ratio is distance divided by altitude lost. If the ratio field has any value, that value is used and the derivation is skipped.

Light single-engine trainers glide near 9:1 to 11:1, gliders range from about 25:1 to over 60:1, and airliners sit around 15:1 to 20:1. Always use the best glide figure from your own flight manual rather than a generic number.

Yes, and this is a still-air estimate. A headwind shortens your reach over the ground while a tailwind extends it, so plan conservatively when gliding into wind and treat the number as a best case.

Altitude is reported in feet on almost every altimeter, and distance in aviation is measured in nautical miles. The calculator keeps feet for the height and glide distance, then adds the nautical mile equivalent using 6076.12 feet per nautical mile.

No. The math is purely geometric, so it ignores density altitude, aircraft weight, configuration and any turning. Banking to circle back to a runway costs both altitude and distance, so leave a generous margin.

Yes. The formula is the same for any unpowered glide. Enter the craft best glide ratio and your height above the landing area to estimate reachable range, then subtract a safety margin for wind and maneuvering.

No. Every calculation runs locally in your browser, so the altitudes and distances you enter stay on your device and nothing is transmitted or stored.