Enter the ball speed and launch angle into the calculator to determine the carry distance of a golf ball. The calculator uses a simplified formula to estimate the distance the ball will carry through the air.

Carry Distance Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the carry distance of a golf ball.

CD = BS * cos(LA) * 1.75

Variables:

  • CD is the carry distance (yards)
  • BS is the ball speed (mph)
  • LA is the launch angle (degrees)

To calculate the carry distance, multiply the ball speed by the cosine of the launch angle, then multiply by a constant factor (1.75) to convert to yards. This is a simplified model and actual carry distance can be affected by factors such as air resistance, ball spin, and atmospheric conditions.

What is Carry Distance?

Carry distance is the distance a golf ball travels through the air from the point of impact with the golf club to the point where it first touches the ground. It is an important metric for golfers to understand how different clubs and swings affect their game.

How to Calculate Carry Distance?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Carry Distance.


  1. First, determine the ball speed (BS) in miles per hour.
  2. Next, determine the launch angle (LA) in degrees.
  3. Next, gather the formula from above = CD = BS * cos(LA) * 1.75.
  4. Finally, calculate the Carry Distance (CD) in yards.
  5. After inserting the variables 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.

ball speed (BS) = 150 mph

launch angle (LA) = 12 degrees