DROPS Calculator
Estimate the consequence of a dropped object from its mass and the height it falls — impact energy, velocity and an indicative consequence band. Educational; verify against the official DROPS Calculator.
Open DROPS Calculator →What is the DROPS Calculator?
An educational calculator that estimates the consequence of a dropped object from its mass and the height it falls — showing the impact velocity, impact energy and an indicative consequence band. It runs entirely in your browser and works offline. It is an indicative estimate only; always verify against the official DROPS Calculator at dropsonline.org and your own risk assessment.
How to use DROPS Calculator
- Enter the object mass — Type the mass of the object in kilograms into the first field.
- Enter the drop height — Type how far the object falls, in metres, into the second field.
- Read the results — The impact velocity, the impact energy in joules, and an indicative consequence band update live as you type.
Frequently asked questions
How is the impact energy worked out?
It calculates the kinetic energy at impact as E = m·g·h (mass times gravity times height), which equals the potential energy before the fall, then maps that energy to a rough consequence band.
Can I rely on this for HSE decisions?
No. It is an indicative estimate for education only and does not account for the object's type, shape, edges, packaging or where it strikes a person. Always verify against the official DROPS Calculator at dropsonline.org and your own risk assessment.
Why does the result differ from the official DROPS chart?
The official tool is a published chart that considers object type and shape, not a single formula. This calculator uses energy alone, so it is a simplified approximation rather than a replacement.
Is anything I enter sent anywhere?
No. Everything is worked out live in your browser and nothing is uploaded; your last entries are saved only on your own device.
Tips
- Use consistent units — mass in kilograms and height in metres — so the energy figure is correct.
- Treat the consequence band as a starting point for discussion, not a final verdict on severity.
- Cross-check any result against the official DROPS Calculator before recording it in a risk assessment.