Bullet Kinetic Energy Calculator

Use the calculator below to calculate the kinetic energy of a bullet. In order to determine the kinetic energy, you must know the velocity of the bullet and the weight of the bullet in grains. You may add items to the list on the right in order to create a bar graph comparing the different items. This is useful for comparing handloads, muzzle energy, different cartridges, and the energy of a bullet at different times in flight according to its velocity.

Mass: (gr)
Velocity: (fps)
Energy: (ft.lbf)
ft.lbf joules
Ascending Descending

Bar Graph

Height: Bar Width: Bar Padding: Title:
a bar graph that shows the muzzle energy of various firearm cartridges

What is Kinetic Bullet Energy?

Understanding and studying the kinetic energy of a bullet is important in determining terminal ballistic performance. Although there are other factors that affect terminal ballistics such as the bullet shape and type, the kinetic energy of a bullet is useful for comparing different cartridges. The kinetic energy of the bullet is the energy that is transferred to the target when hit. It is also the energy that the shooter absorbs through recoil by shooting.

When talking about bullet kinetic energy, the word muzzle energy is often brought up. Muzzle energy is the energy of a bullet right when it leaves the firearms barrel. Muzzle Energy is useful in comparing cartridges, calculating recoil, and stopping power.