Calculators
FreeFree in your browser, no sign-upProjectile energy calculator in joules and ft-lbf
Calculate projectile energy in joules and ft-lb, average weight and velocity, and power factor in SC Ballistics.
Access in the app: Available on the free plan.
Overview
What it does
Calculate projectile energy in joules and ft-lb, average weight and velocity, and power factor in SC Ballistics.
This guide covers the Ballistic Energy Calculator workflow in SC Ballistics, including required values, units, results, and the actions available after calculation.
Tool workflow
Inputs and results
What you enter
- Projectile weights in grains
- Measured velocities
- Velocity unit: m/s or fps
What the app returns
- Average weight and velocity
- Energy in joules and ft-lb
- Power factor and saved history
Tutorial in the app
How to use it in SC Ballistics
Example: three weighings of a 124 gr 9 mm bullet and three chronograph readings in m/s.
01
Open the tool
In the app, open the Ballistic Energy Calculator. The screen starts empty, ready for your data.
02
Enter weights and velocities
Weights 124, 124.2 and 123.8 gr; velocities 350, 351 and 350.5 m/s. The app averages them, with up to ten values each.
03
Calculate and read the result
Tap Calculate: 124.0 gr average at 350.5 m/s, about 493.6 J (364 ft-lbs) and a 142.6 power factor. Save the calculation to check later.
Before you finish
Good practices
- Check measurement units and source data before calculating.
- Follow range safety procedures and verify technical data with responsible manufacturers.
SC Ballistics is a support tool. Check all inputs, follow range safety procedures, and validate technical information with responsible sources and manufacturers.
Limitations
- The result is muzzle energy at the velocity you enter. For energy at distance, you need the velocity measured at that distance.
- Accuracy depends on chronograph-measured velocity; catalogue values can differ widely from your firearm.
- The calculator does not state legal energy limits. Check the rules of your country or discipline.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the online calculator the same as the app?
- It uses the same formulas. Here you can enter up to three weights and three velocities; the app takes up to ten of each and can save the calculation to history.
- Can I use grams and m/s?
- Yes. Pick grams or grains for weight and m/s or fps for velocity; units are converted before the calculation.
- What is power factor?
- An index that combines bullet weight and velocity. Practical shooting rules use it to classify ammunition.
Continue in the catalog
Related tools
Use it in the app
Take the tool to the range.
Download SC Ballistics for Android or iOS and follow this tutorial inside the app.