Enter the horizontal distance and the change in altitude into the calculator to determine the glide slope ratio and glide angle.

Glide Ratio Formula

The glide ratio formula is the following: 

GLR = D / A
  • Where GLR is the glide ratio
  • D is the horizontal distance traveled by the glider
  • A is the change in altitude

To calculate a glide ratio, divide the horizontal distance traveled by the change in altitude.

Glide Ratio Definition

A glide ratio is a measure of the horizontal distance traveled over the change in altitude of a gliding object. These gliding objects are called gliders.

How to calculate glide ratio?

To calculate the glide ratio of a glider you divide the horizontal distance by the change in altitude of an object that is not under any force other than gravity and lift.

What is a good glide ratio?

A good glide ratio depends on the type of application. For example, a wingsuit can have glide ratios in excess of 40:1, but a heavy plane may have a glide ratio closer to 5:1.

Does glide ratio change with weight?

A glide ratio is independent of weight. The speed at which the glider reaches the ground will change with weight, but the total horizontal distance traveled with the change in altitude will remain the same.

How to increase glide ratio?

The key to increasing the glide ratio is to increase the coefficient of lift and decrease the coefficient of drag. The large the lift force the greater the glide ratio. Similarly, the higher the coefficient of drag the lower the glide ratio.

What is the glide raito of planes?

A plane like the 747 or 737 has a glide ratio of 17:1.

How to find a glider glide ratio?

To find the glide ratio of a glider, use the formula GLR = D/A or the formula GLR = Cl/Cd where Cl is the coefficient of lift and Cd is the coefficient of drag.

What is a glider?

A glider is a plane-like object that is designed to travel as far horizontally as possible when dropped from a certain elevation.

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glide ratio formula