Physics

Earth Curvature Calculator

Find how much the Earth's surface drops over a distance.

Distance

Earth radius

Calculated Output

Curvature drop 1.962

Formula: drop ≈ d² ÷ (2R)

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Values used:

2. Distance = 5

3. Earth radius = 6,371

5. Curvature drop = 1.962

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The math behind it

The drop is approximately d² ÷ (2R). It grows with the square of distance.

Over 5 km → about 1.96 m of drop.

Why can I still see distant mountains?

Their height exceeds the curvature drop, and refraction helps too.