Enter any two values (height fallen, time, and final speed) into the calculator to determine the missing variable for the free-fall portion of a bungee jump (before the cord starts stretching).

Bungee Jump (Free-Fall) Speed Calculator

Enter any 2 values to calculate the missing variable (assumes constant acceleration from rest; ignores air resistance and cord stretch)

Related Calculators

Bungee Jump Speed Formula

The following formula is used to estimate the final speed at the end of the free-fall portion of a bungee jump (before the cord starts stretching), given a free-fall height and time.

v = (2 * h) / t

Variables:

  • v is the final speed at the end of the free-fall segment
  • h is the vertical height fallen during the free-fall segment
  • t is the time spent in that free-fall segment

To estimate the final speed, divide twice the free-fall height by the free-fall time. This relationship comes from constant-acceleration motion starting from rest (average speed is v/2, so h = (v/2)·t). It is a good approximation only for the initial free-fall portion of a bungee jump; once the cord begins to stretch, the acceleration is no longer constant and can reverse direction. This also ignores air resistance.

What is a Bungee Jump?

A bungee jump is an activity that involves jumping from a tall structure while connected to a large elastic cord. The structure is usually a fixed object such as a building or bridge, but it is also possible to jump from a movable object such as a hot-air balloon or helicopter. The thrill comes from the free-falling and the rebound. When the person jumps, the cord stretches and the jumper flies upwards again as the cord recoils, and continues to oscillate up and down until all the kinetic energy is dissipated.

How to Calculate Bungee Jump Speed?

The following steps outline how to estimate the speed at the end of the free-fall portion of a bungee jump.

  1. First, determine the height fallen during the free-fall portion of the jump (h), before the cord starts stretching.
  2. Next, determine the time spent in that same free-fall portion (t).
  3. Finally, calculate the final speed using the formula v = (2 * h) / t.
  4. After inserting the values and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Height of the bungee jump (h) = 50 m

Time taken for the jump (t) = 3.19 s