Mechanical & Civil Engineering
Wing Aspect Ratio & Oswald Efficiency Calculator
Determine wing aspect ratio from span and area, and estimate its effect on induced drag with Oswald efficiency factor.
Your inputs
Change any value to update the result instantly.
Aspect ratio
6.25
Induced drag factor (k)
0.0637
Mean chord
1.6 m
Oswald efficiency
0.8
What this calculator does
Wing Aspect Ratio & Oswald Efficiency Calculator: Applies the standard aerodynamics or orbital-mechanics relationship so the force, efficiency or manoeuvre cost can be worked out from the flight inputs.
What your result means
The headline figure is the aerodynamic force, efficiency or manoeuvre cost implied by your flight inputs. Real vehicles carry additional losses and margins.
Formula and working
AR = b²/S; k = 1/(π·e·AR)
- 1
Collect the inputs
Wingspan = 10 m; Wing area = 16 m²; Oswald efficiency factor = 0.8
- 2
Apply the formula
AR = b²/S; k = 1/(π·e·AR)
- 3
Result
Aspect ratio = 6.25
Frequently asked questions
Symbols and assumptions
- b
- Wingspan (m)
- S
- Wing area (m²)
- e
- Oswald efficiency factor
- • Standard-atmosphere and idealised flow or two-body orbital conditions are assumed.
- • Losses, gravity turn, atmospheric drag and vehicle-specific effects are not modelled unless the page names them.
Sources and review
Reviewed 2026-09-22 · Next review 2027-09-22
- • This is an educational estimate for learning and checking, not a design deliverable.
- • Real design must follow the governing code or standard for your jurisdiction and be reviewed and signed off by a qualified engineer.
- • Safety factors, load combinations and material certification are the responsibility of the designer, not of this page.
Important limitation
This is an educational estimate based only on the values and formula shown. Verify current rates, rules, units, and professional standards before relying on the result. It is not personalized financial or investment advice.
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