1. What is the Quarter Mile Calculator?

The Quarter Mile Calculator estimates the elapsed time for a vehicle to complete a quarter mile (402.336 meters) based on horsepower and weight. This is a standard performance measurement in motorsports and automotive testing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the quarter mile equation:

Where:

• \( ET \) — Elapsed time for quarter mile (seconds)
• \( HP \) — Horsepower
• \( Weight \) — Vehicle weight (pounds)

Explanation: The equation calculates the cube root of the power-to-weight ratio and divides 1353 by this value to estimate quarter mile time.

3. Importance of Quarter Mile Time

Details: Quarter mile time is a standard benchmark for vehicle acceleration performance. It provides a quick comparison between different vehicles and modifications.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter horsepower and weight in pounds. Both values must be positive numbers. The result shows estimated quarter mile time in seconds.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculation?
A: This provides a theoretical estimate. Actual performance depends on traction, transmission, aerodynamics, and driving skill.

Q2: What is a good quarter mile time?
A: Under 12 seconds is considered fast, under 10 seconds is very fast, and under 8 seconds is professional drag racing territory.

Q3: Does this account for drivetrain loss?
A: No, this calculation uses raw horsepower. For wheel horsepower, use approximately 85% of crank horsepower for rear-wheel drive vehicles.

Q4: Can I use metric units?
A: This calculator uses pounds for weight. To convert from kg, multiply by 2.20462. For kW to HP, multiply by 1.34102.

Q5: What factors affect quarter mile time besides HP and weight?
A: Traction, gearing, shift speed, aerodynamics, tire pressure, and weather conditions all significantly impact actual performance.