OneTaskBy Tim King · Updated
0–60 Calculator
Estimate 100 km/h and Quarter-Mile Times From Horsepower and Weight, Plus g-Force
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How the 0–60 Calculator works
This 0–60 calculator estimates how quickly a car reaches 60 mph and 100 km/h from its power and weight, with a quarter-mile estimate too. If you already know the 0–60 time, it converts it to 0–100 km/h and shows the average g-force, the distance covered and the power it implies.
How the 0–60 calculator works
Reaching a speed takes kinetic energy, ½ × mass × speed². The formula here is time = mass × speed² ÷ (2 × 0.5 × peak power), which assumes that, on average, about half the engine's peak power reaches the road during the run once gear changes, the power curve, grip and losses are allowed for. That rule of thumb lands close to published figures for most road cars, from small hatchbacks to fast EVs.
First example. A 300 hp car weighing 1,500 kg with a driver has 200 hp per tonne. The estimate is 4.8 s to 60 mph and 5.2 s to 100 km/h, with a quarter mile of 13.0 s at 105 mph by the Hale formula.
Second example. A car that does 0–60 mph in 6.0 s averages 0.46 g, covers about 107 m and takes about 6.4 s to reach 100 km/h. If it weighs 1,500 kg, that suggests around 241 hp.
How many seconds does 0–100 km/h add over 0–60 mph? About 7% more, since 100 km/h is 62.1 mph and time grows with the square of speed at constant power. A 5.0 s 0–60 car does 0–100 km/h in about 5.4 s.
Treat the result as an estimate. Launch control, tyres, all-wheel drive and gearing all move real times.
Estimated acceleration by power-to-weight ratio (weight includes the driver)
| Power to weight | Pounds per hp | 0–60 mph | 0–100 km/h | Quarter mile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 hp/tonne | 44.1 lb/hp | 19.3 s | 20.7 s | 20.6 s, 66 mph |
| 60 hp/tonne | 36.7 lb/hp | 16.1 s | 17.2 s | 19.4 s, 70 mph |
| 70 hp/tonne | 31.5 lb/hp | 13.8 s | 14.8 s | 18.4 s, 74 mph |
| 80 hp/tonne | 27.6 lb/hp | 12.1 s | 12.9 s | 17.6 s, 77 mph |
| 90 hp/tonne | 24.5 lb/hp | 10.7 s | 11.5 s | 16.9 s, 81 mph |
| 100 hp/tonne | 22.0 lb/hp | 9.6 s | 10.3 s | 16.3 s, 83 mph |
| 110 hp/tonne | 20.0 lb/hp | 8.8 s | 9.4 s | 15.8 s, 86 mph |
| 120 hp/tonne | 18.4 lb/hp | 8.0 s | 8.6 s | 15.4 s, 89 mph |
| 130 hp/tonne | 17.0 lb/hp | 7.4 s | 8.0 s | 15.0 s, 91 mph |
| 140 hp/tonne | 15.7 lb/hp | 6.9 s | 7.4 s | 14.6 s, 93 mph |
| 150 hp/tonne | 14.7 lb/hp | 6.4 s | 6.9 s | 14.3 s, 96 mph |
| 160 hp/tonne | 13.8 lb/hp | 6.0 s | 6.5 s | 14.0 s, 98 mph |
| 180 hp/tonne | 12.2 lb/hp | 5.4 s | 5.7 s | 13.4 s, 102 mph |
| 200 hp/tonne | 11.0 lb/hp | 4.8 s | 5.2 s | 13.0 s, 105 mph |
| 220 hp/tonne | 10.0 lb/hp | 4.4 s | 4.7 s | 12.6 s, 109 mph |
| 250 hp/tonne | 8.8 lb/hp | 3.9 s | 4.1 s | 12.0 s, 113 mph |
| 280 hp/tonne | 7.9 lb/hp | 3.4 s | 3.7 s | 11.6 s, 118 mph |
| 300 hp/tonne | 7.3 lb/hp | 3.2 s | 3.4 s | 11.3 s, 120 mph |
| 350 hp/tonne | 6.3 lb/hp | 2.8 s | 3.0 s | 10.8 s, 127 mph |
| 400 hp/tonne | 5.5 lb/hp | 2.4 s | 2.6 s | 10.3 s, 132 mph |
| 450 hp/tonne | 4.9 lb/hp | 2.1 s | 2.3 s | 9.9 s, 138 mph |
| 500 hp/tonne | 4.4 lb/hp | 1.9 s | 2.1 s | 9.6 s, 143 mph |
FAQ
How do you calculate 0–60 time from horsepower?
Work out power to weight, then use time ≈ mass × 26.8² ÷ (power in watts), with mass in kg. A 1,200 kg car with 150 hp (112 kW) gives 1,200 × 719 ÷ 111,900, about 7.7 seconds.
What is a good 0–60 time?
Most family cars take 7 to 10 seconds. Under 6 seconds feels quick, under 4 seconds is sports-car territory, and the fastest electric cars are close to 2 seconds, limited mainly by tyre grip.
Is 0–60 mph the same as 0–100 km/h?
No. 100 km/h is 62.1 mph, so 0–100 km/h takes slightly longer, usually 0.2 to 0.5 seconds more. UK and US magazines quote 0–60 mph, while Europe and Australia mostly quote 0–100 km/h.
Why are electric cars so quick from 0 to 60?
Electric motors deliver full torque from standstill and need no gear changes, so more of their peak power is used during the run. Many EVs also have all-wheel drive, which puts that power down without wheelspin.
Should the weight include the driver?
Yes. Published kerb weights leave out the driver, and an extra 75 to 90 kg makes a noticeable difference to a light car. Add the driver and any passengers or luggage for the most realistic estimate.
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