What does a jump run calculator do for skydivers?

It helps estimate the planned line of flight using wind direction, wind speed, and the selected course so jumpers can think through aircraft heading and spotting.

What does the drift calculator estimate?

It estimates how far you may move horizontally in freefall based on wind speed and time, using simple math for skydiving planning.

Is this a replacement for local jump run planning?

No. It is a planning aid only and should always be cross-checked against the pilot, DZ procedures, and current field conditions.

How is exit separation calculated?

Exit separation is estimated by multiplying aircraft groundspeed in knots by 1.6878 feet per second per knot and then multiplying by the exit interval in seconds.

Can this calculator tell me load order?

No. It estimates spacing only. Load order still depends on the jump type, opening altitude, aircraft, pilot, and local drop zone procedure.

How many seconds should I use for exit separation?

Use the recommended interval shown by the jump type as a planning starting point, then confirm the final load order and spacing with the organizer and pilot.

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Jump Run Calculator & Drift Calculator

Use this skydiving jump run calculator to estimate drift, wind angle, headwind, and crosswind components before a load. It is built for quick briefing checks, not operational authorization.

Jump run calculator and drift calculator

The calculator below estimates how far you may move in freefall and how the wind aligns with a planned course. It is useful for spotting discussions, load planning, and quick skydiving wind math practice.

Wind speed (kt)

Freefall time (sec)

Wind from (deg)

Planned course/leg (deg)

Drift (ft)0

Drift (nm)0

Theta (deg)0

Head/Tail (kt)0

Crosswind (kt)0

Quick reference

Drift distance: wind speed multiplied by freefall time, with unit conversion.
Theta: the angle between the wind direction and your planned course.
Head/tail and crosswind: the wind vector resolved against your course.

Jump run and drift outputs are planning estimates, not guarantees. Always defer to the pilot in command, local procedures, and current field conditions.

Exit separation calculator

Use this to estimate horizontal spacing between groups on jump run. The calculator uses aircraft groundspeed and the time interval between exits to estimate how far the next group will be separated down the flight path. Pick the jump type to show a recommended interval and load-order reminder.

Aircraft groundspeed (kt)

Jump type

Recommended interval (sec)

Ask the jump organizer

Exit interval (sec)

Separation (ft)0

Separation (nm)0

Spacing (m)0

Load-order noteAsk the jump organizer

How exit separation is calculated

Formula: separation_ft = groundspeed_kt * 1.6878 * interval_sec
Separation in nautical miles: separation_nm = groundspeed_kt × interval_sec / 3600
Separation in meters: separation_m = separation_ft × 0.3048
Why groundspeed: the aircraft moves relative to the ground, so the spacing must use ground track speed rather than still-air speed.
Why interval matters: the time between exits determines how long the aircraft keeps moving before the next group leaves.
Use the real jump run speed: if the pilot is turning a different speed than expected, the spacing changes too.

How drift and wind components are calculated

Drift distance: drift_ft = wind_kt × 1.6878 × time_sec
Drift in nautical miles: drift_nm = wind_kt × time_sec / 3600
Angle to course: theta = smallest angle between wind_from and course
Head/tail component: head_kt = wind_kt × cos(theta)
Crosswind component: cross_kt = wind_kt × sin(theta)

This is only a spacing estimate. Actual exit separation must still follow the pilot, aircraft procedure, load type, wind conditions, and DZ standards.

Load order reminder: the jump type helps you think about who is on the load and how the group should be briefed, but the actual order still comes from the pilot, organizer, and local DZ procedure.

Jump run calculator FAQ

What is jump run? The planned line of flight used to position the aircraft for the drop.

What is drift? The horizontal movement estimate created by wind over time.

Why use a calculator? It helps turn wind information into a quick planning estimate before you board.

What is exit separation? The approximate horizontal distance between groups when they exit at a set interval on jump run.

Jump run and spot technical concepts

Treat each major layer (surface, canopy, freefall, exit) as a separate wind vector, then reason about the combined displacement.
When upper and lower winds differ strongly in direction, expect non-intuitive drift paths and adjust the spot upwind/uptrack accordingly.
Use opening-altitude and deployment-group differences when planning exit order and separation.
Verify spot assumptions with real-time observations, pilot input, and in-air corrections when available.

Technical references

USPA Skydiver's Information Manual (SIM)

Primary skydiving reference for planning, procedures, and context around jump operations.

USPA SIM Online (mobile-friendly)

Mobile-friendly version of the SIM for quick checks and on-device reference.

USPA downsizing guidance

Background on canopy progression and why wing loading is only one part of the decision.

Skydive Mag downsizing article

Supplemental discussion of downsizing considerations and canopy selection context.

14 CFR Part 105 (Parachute Operations)

U.S. parachute operations rules relevant to operational context.

NOAA Aviation Weather Center (AWC)

Official aviation weather source used to understand upper wind and weather products.

National Weather Service (NWS)

Official weather service for forecasts, observations, and weather context.

Manufacturer owner's manual and published wing-loading guidance for the exact canopy model.