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Asteroid Impact Energy Calculator

Kinetic energy of an impactor in megatons of TNT.

Compute the kinetic energy released when a spherical asteroid of given diameter, density, and impact speed strikes a planet, expressed in joules and megatons of TNT (1 Mt = 4.184 · 10¹⁵ J).

Dr. Helena Ortiz By Dr. Helena Ortiz
Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

m
kg/m³
km/s

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

m = ⁴⁄₃ · π · r³ · ρ. E = ½ · m · v². Megatons = E / 4.184e15.

In depth

Compute the kinetic energy released when a spherical asteroid of given diameter, density, and impact speed strikes a planet, expressed in joules and megatons of TNT (1 Mt = 4.184 · 10¹⁵ J).