Created By : Vaibhavi Kumari

Reviewed By : Rajashekhar Valipishetty

Last Updated : May 17, 2023


You can use the ballistic coefficient calculator to find out what a projectile's ballistic coefficient is. A projectile can be anything from a ball to a flying disc to a bullet fired from a pistol. A projectile's ballistic coefficient is determined by elements such as mass and cross-sectional area. This parameter is used in physics to determine the behaviour of projectile mid-air in the field, which is known as external ballistics, along with other characteristics including time of flight, height, range, and trajectory.

Mass of projectile (m)
Area of cross-section (A)
Drag coefficient (C)
Ballistic Coefficient (B)


>What Exactly is Ballistics?

Let's take a look at ballistics as a field first. There are three sorts of subfields in the field of ballistics, depending on what a projectile faces:

Internal ballistics = this field is concerned with the period a bullet spends inside a muzzle or the projectile's propulsion phase.

External ballistics = the interaction of a bullet or projectile in mid-flight with various forces of nature, such as gravity or air resistance, and throughout its trajectory.

Terminal ballistics = when a projectile approaches the conclusion of its trajectory, it will very certainly connect with something, such as a bullet piercing a target or a ball striking a wall. Terminal ballistics deals with the interaction of the projectile with its target, as well as the effects on both.

What does it mean by ballistic coefficient?

The ballistic coefficient is a quality of an object that allows it to overcome air resistance while travelling and falls under the premise of external ballistics. The ballistic coefficient B can be written as: for a projectile weighing m kg and possessing a drag coefficient C

B = m / (C * A),

A is the projectile's cross-sectional area. The ballistic coefficient is measured in kilogrammes per square metre or pounds per square inch. G1 through G7 are the names of the seven different mathematical models for ballistics. The G1 model is the most prevalent, and it's utilised for projectiles with flat bases and ogive noses. The G1 ballistic coefficient is sometimes known as the G1 ballistic coefficient.

How do I use the calculator to calculate the ballistic coefficient?

To calculate the ballistic coefficient, follow the steps below:

  • Step 1: Enter the projectile's mass, m.
  • Step 2: Insert the cross-sectional area, A.
  • Step 3: Put the drag coefficient, C.
  • Step 4: The ballistic coefficient will be returned by the calculator.

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FAQs on Ballistic Coefficient Calculator

1. What is the value of my bullet coefficient?

The ability of an item to overcome air resistance in mid-flight is measured by its ballistic coefficient. The higher the number, the lower the projectile's drag (low negative acceleration) and the greater the bullet's ability to cut through the air.

2. What is the definition of the ballistic coefficient?

The ability of a projectile to endure air resistance while in flight is known as its ballistic coefficient.

3. What is the ballistic coefficient for G7?

G7 is a revised equation and a more accurate method of calculating a ballistic coefficient. When calculating trajectory with a ballistics programme that allows for the use of a G7, it delivers more accurate and dependable results.

4. Is the drag coefficient the same as the ballistic coefficient?

When compared to a G1 or G7 standard projectile, the Ballistic Coefficient is effectively a measure of drag force. The lower the drag and the greater the ballistic performance, the higher the B.C. value. The B.C. of a projectile changes during its flight, and reported B.C.s are always averages for certain velocity ranges.

5. Is the ballistic coefficient affected by velocity?

With changes in velocity, the value of the Ballistic Coefficient (BC) can and typically does change. As velocity decreases, the BC of most bullets decreases. The extent to which a BC changes is determined by the bullet form.