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Roche Limit Calculator

Tidal break-up distance for a satellite.

Compute the Roche limit (rigid-body approximation) — the distance at which a satellite will be torn apart by tidal forces — from the planet radius and the densities of planet and satellite: d = 1.26 · R · (ρ_p / ρ_s)^(1/3).

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

Inputs

km
kg/m³
kg/m³

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

d = 1.26 · R · (ρ_planet / ρ_satellite)^(1/3)

In depth

Compute the Roche limit (rigid-body approximation) — the distance at which a satellite will be torn apart by tidal forces — from the planet radius and the densities of planet and satellite: d = 1.26 · R · (ρ_p / ρ_s)^(1/3).