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Free Tool · C172 & PA-28 · Sensitivity Analysis

Takeoff & Landing Distance Estimator

Enter density altitude, aircraft weight, and wind — get ground roll and total distance with a runway visualizer and sensitivity table showing exactly how each variable affects your numbers.

Conditions & aircraft

Results update automatically

Aircraft
Conditions
Positive = headwind · Negative = tailwind
Takeoff ground roll
—
feet
Distance to lift off
Landing ground roll
—
feet
Distance to stop

Runway visualizer — takeoff

0 ft — —
Ground roll (liftoff)
50 ft obstacle clearance

Sensitivity analysis — takeoff ground roll

How each variable affects your distance. Your inputs are highlighted.

ScenarioGround rollvs your conditions

Key performance factors — what moves the numbers

Density altitude
The most critical factor. Every 1,000 ft of DA increases ground roll approximately 10% in a normally aspirated engine. At 8,000 ft DA you need roughly double the runway of sea level.
+10% per 1,000 ft DA
Aircraft weight
Heavier aircraft accelerate more slowly and have higher stall speeds. A 10% increase in weight increases takeoff distance approximately 20% — the relationship is exponential.
+20% per +10% weight
Headwind / tailwind
A headwind of 10% of liftoff speed reduces ground roll ~19%. A tailwind of 10% increases ground roll ~21%. Tailwinds are much more dangerous than headwinds are helpful.
−1.5% per kt headwind
Runway surface
Grass, especially when wet or soft, dramatically increases takeoff distance. Dry grass adds ~15%, soft mud can require 45% more runway. Always check the actual surface condition.
+15–45% for non-paved
Runway slope
Upsloping runways increase takeoff distance (the aircraft climbs the slope before lifting off). A 1% upslope roughly adds 7% to ground roll. Always check field notes for slope.
+7% per 1% upslope