Estimate an amplifier’s DC current draw from its total RMS output power, electrical system voltage, and assumed efficiency. Actual draw varies with music, listening level, amplifier design, and voltage. Defaults are illustrative; use manufacturer specifications when available.
Estimate the alternator output current needed to supply the total electrical load, including an optional reserve. Enter the combined running power of the vehicle’s electrical loads and the charging-system voltage. This is an estimate; battery charging demand, alternator efficiency and output at engine speed may affect the required rating.
Estimate how long a car battery can power a load with the engine off. Enter the battery’s rated capacity and voltage, the load’s power, the usable capacity you choose, and the estimated power conversion efficiency. Actual runtime varies with load, battery condition, temperature, and discharge rate. Starting batteries may not tolerate deep discharge or retain enough charge to start the vehicle.
Calculate a vehicle’s horsepower per 1,000 pounds using its rated engine power and weight. Use curb weight for a standard comparison, or loaded weight to include occupants and cargo. This ratio does not account for drivetrain losses or predict measured acceleration.
Calculate engine torque from mechanical horsepower and engine speed. Enter horsepower at the RPM where it is measured; the result represents torque at that same speed.
Estimate the static compression ratio of one engine cylinder from its swept volume and clearance volumes. Include any deck-clearance volume in the chamber volume. The defaults are illustrative; this calculator assumes a flat or dished piston and does not account for a piston dome.
Calculate total engine displacement from cylinder bore, stroke, and cylinder count. Defaults are illustrative. The calculation assumes identical cylindrical bores and uses swept volume, excluding combustion chamber volume.
Estimate remaining roof load capacity while driving by using the lower of the vehicle roof and rack system manufacturer ratings, then subtracting the rack and cargo weights. Enter all weights in the same unit. Negative results indicate an overload. Defaults are illustrative; check the ratings and instructions for your vehicle and every rack component.
Estimate the actual combined weight of a tow vehicle and trailer using their unloaded weights and added loads. Enter all weights in pounds. Do not add trailer tongue weight separately; it is already included in the trailer’s total weight.
Estimate a two-axle vehicle’s loaded rear axle weight using its existing rear axle weight and the position of added cargo between the axles. Measure the horizontal distances from the cargo’s center of gravity to each axle. Defaults are illustrative. This static estimate assumes level ground and does not replace axle-scale measurements or manufacturer ratings.
Estimate tongue weight from the loaded trailer weight and your chosen tongue-weight percentages. Defaults are illustrative; actual tongue weight depends on load placement and should be measured. Check your trailer, hitch, and vehicle manufacturer ratings.
Estimate remaining vehicle payload by subtracting curb weight, occupants, and loaded cargo from the manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Include the weight of accessories and trailer tongue weight in loaded cargo. Curb weight definitions vary, so check the manufacturer’s specifications. A negative result indicates the estimated load exceeds GVWR; also observe axle and tire ratings. Default values are illustrative.
Estimate the maximum loaded trailer weight using your vehicle’s manufacturer tow rating, gross combined weight rating (GCWR), loaded vehicle weight, available payload, and estimated trailer tongue-weight percentage. Defaults are illustrative. Check the vehicle and hitch manuals, axle ratings, trailer brakes, and applicable limits before towing.
Estimate engine speed from vehicle speed, tire diameter, axle ratio, and the selected transmission gear ratio. The calculation uses the standard 336 approximation for miles per hour and tire diameter in inches. Enter the tire’s actual loaded diameter when available. Results assume no torque-converter slip, clutch slip, or tire growth; defaults are illustrative.
Calculate the gear ratio for a pair of meshing gears by dividing the number of teeth on the driven gear by the number of teeth on the driving gear. The default tooth counts are illustrative. This calculation assumes a simple two-gear pair and does not account for additional stages.
Estimate wheel backspacing from the nominal wheel width, offset, and combined flange allowance. Nominal width is measured between the tire bead seats; backspacing is measured from the mounting surface to the rear outer edge. The default flange allowance is illustrative, so measure your wheel for a more accurate result. This calculation does not confirm vehicle fitment.
Compare the outer position of a new wheel with your current wheel using wheel width and offset. A positive result means the new wheel extends farther outward; a negative result means it sits farther inward. Widths use nominal bead-seat measurements. Tire size, suspension clearance, brakes, and fender clearance are not included, so check fitment separately. Defaults are illustrative.
Estimate actual speed after changing tire size using the ratio of new to original tire diameter. Enter the tire diameters and the speed shown on the speedometer. This assumes the speedometer was accurate with the original tires and both tires have the same effective rolling characteristics.
Estimate tire revolutions per mile from tire width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter. This uses the unloaded geometric circumference; actual revolutions vary with tire construction, load, pressure, and wear.
Calculate the nominal height of one tire sidewall from the tire’s section width and aspect ratio. For example, a 225/65 tire has a 225 mm section width and a 65% aspect ratio. Actual dimensions can vary by tire and manufacturer.
Estimate the overall diameter of a tire from its nominal metric tire size. The calculation assumes the tire is unloaded and uses the stated section width and aspect ratio; actual diameter can vary by manufacturer, rim width, wear, and inflation.
Compare the overall diameter of two metric tire sizes and estimate the percentage change. Enter the width, aspect ratio, and wheel diameter printed on each tire. The calculation assumes unloaded nominal dimensions; actual tire dimensions and vehicle fitment may vary.
Estimate fuel cost for a road trip using the total driving distance, your vehicle’s expected fuel economy, and an assumed fuel price. Include both outbound and return distances if applicable. Actual fuel use varies with traffic, terrain, weather, and driving habits.
Estimate your SUV’s cost per mile using fuel economy, fuel price, maintenance costs, and annual vehicle expenses. Defaults are illustrative. Include expenses such as insurance, registration, and depreciation in the annual cost fields as appropriate; the estimate excludes any costs you leave out.
Calculate average fuel economy from the miles driven and gallons of fuel used. For a practical estimate, fill the tank, record the distance driven, then refill it and enter the gallons added. Results vary with driving conditions and refueling accuracy.
Estimate the fuel cost of a trip using distance in miles, vehicle fuel economy in US miles per gallon, and fuel price per US gallon. Defaults are illustrative; actual fuel economy and prices can vary.
Estimate the total cost of owning a car over your chosen period. Enter your purchase price, expected resale value, annual mileage, fuel cost per mile, and estimated annual running costs. Annual running costs can include insurance, maintenance, repairs, registration, and taxes. Defaults are illustrative. Financing costs and inflation are excluded; include financing charges in annual running costs if applicable. A resale value above the purchase price reduces the estimated total.
Estimate an affordable vehicle price from a monthly income-based budget, other monthly car costs, down payment, loan interest rate, and term. Defaults are illustrative. The estimate assumes equal end-of-month payments, a fixed nominal annual interest rate compounded monthly, and no loan fees or taxes; reserve money for those separately. A longer term can reduce payments but increase total interest.
Estimate a car’s future value using an assumed constant annual depreciation rate. The default values are illustrative; actual depreciation varies over time and by vehicle.
Estimate a monthly car lease payment using the negotiated vehicle price, down payment, residual value, lease term, money factor, and assumed tax rate. Defaults are illustrative. Enter a residual value no greater than the price after the down payment.