Created By : Abhinandan Kumar

Reviewed By : Rajashekhar Valipishetty

Last Updated : May 17, 2023


Engineers can use this thrust-to-weight ratio calculator to estimate a vehicle's thrust-to-weight ratio. When it comes to constructing an aircraft, whether it's a small RC drone or a full-fledged passenger jet, the thrust to weight ratio is critical information. For example, the thrust to weight ratio provides information about an aircraft's manoeuvrability. Continue reading to learn how to calculate different aircraft thrust-to-weight ratios.

Thrust to Weight Ratio

The ratio of available thrust to aircraft mass is known as the thrust to weight ratio. It's a quantity that has no dimensions. Both quantities must be in acceptable units in order to calculate the thrust to weight ratio. For example, if the thrust is measured in Newtons (N) and the weight is measured in kilogrammes (kg), the weight must be converted to mass to get the correct result. The formula will yield the right answer if the thrust is measured in pounds-force (lbf) and the weight is measured in pounds (lb). The ratio can be calculated using the following formula:

Thrust to Weight ratio = Thrust Available / Weight

Because of the various types of thrusts and weights, the thrust to weight ratio can vary greatly. Consider the following example:

Thrust - This could be the maximum available value under normal engine conditions, or the maximum available value during exhaust flow conditions.

Gross weight - maximum take-off weight, weight at different fuel levels, such as 50 per cent or 100 per cent, and empty weight are all examples of aircraft weights.

In cruising flight conditions, the thrust to weight ratio can be described as the inverse of the lift to drag ratio. This can be expressed mathematically as:

Thrust to weight ratio = 1 / (Lift / Drag)cruise

How can you calculate the thrust-to-weight ratio?

To find out the thrust-to-weight ratio, do the following:

  • Step 1: Fill in the thrust value that is appropriate.
  • Step 2: Fill in the aircraft's weight.
  • Step 3: The thrust to weight ratio will be returned by the calculator.

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What is the importance of the thrust-to-weight ratio?

An aeroplane with a high thrust-to-weight ratio will have a high excess thrust value in most flight circumstances. A high rate of climb is caused by excessive thrust. The aircraft can speed up up straight like a rocket if the thrust-to-weight ratio is higher than one and the drag is low.

FAQs on Thrust to Weight Ratio Calculator

1. What is meant by a thrust to weight ratio?

The ratio of available or maximum thrust to the weight of the aircraft is known as the thrust to weight ratio. The weight could be in gross weight, maximum take-off weight, or various fuel levels.

2. How do I calculate the thrust to weight ratio?

The thrust-to-weight ratio is computed by dividing the engine or vehicle's thrust (in SI units – in newtons) by its weight (in newtons). If the weight is specified in pounds, the thrust can also be quantified in pound-force.

3. Is the term "thrust" similar to "acceleration"?

As defined by Newton's third law of motion, thrust is a mechanical force formed from the reaction of accelerating a mass of gas. The engine and aircraft are accelerated in the opposite direction as gas or working fluid is accelerated to the rear.

4. Is it beneficial to have a high thrust-to-weight ratio?

A high thrust to weight ratio indicates that the aircraft will have a strong rate of climb and acceleration. The aeroplane would be able to accelerate vertically if the thrust to weight ratio is larger than one.

5. What does it mean to have a high thrust-to-weight ratio?

A high thrust to weight ratio indicates that the aircraft will have a strong rate of climb and acceleration. The aeroplane will be able to accelerate vertically if the thrust to weight ratio is larger than one.