Quarter Mile Calculator

Estimate quarter-mile elapsed time and trap speed from vehicle horsepower and weight. Use for drag racing estimates or performance comparison.

Results

Visualization

How It Works

The quarter mile (1,320 feet) is the standard drag racing distance. ET (elapsed time) is calculated using the Roger Huntington formula: ET = 5.825 * (weight/HP)^(1/3). Trap speed (MPH at the finish line) indicates raw power, while ET reflects launch, traction, and shifting. Adding 100 HP to a 300 HP car improves ET more than adding 100 HP to a 600 HP car — diminishing returns apply. Include driver weight (about 170 lbs) for accuracy.

Last updated: March 15, 2026 · Reviewed by the CarCalcs Editorial Team