0-60 mph Calculator
Estimate a car's 0-60 mph time from its weight and horsepower — a quick, rough performance approximation.
How it works
0–60 time ≈ 0.87 × (weight ÷ horsepower)^0.75 (empirical estimate, weight in lb)
Acceleration is driven mostly by how much power there is to move each pound, so a simple power-to-weight rule gives a usable ballpark. This tool uses an empirical fit — 0.87 times the pound-per-horsepower ratio raised to the 0.75 power — that lands close to real figures for ordinary cars. It is only an approximation: it knows nothing about traction, gearing, aerodynamics, launch technique, drivetrain type or how the power is delivered, all of which move the real number. Treat it as a rough guide, not a spec-sheet figure, and expect real results to differ.
Worked example
A 3,300 lb car with 250 hp has a weight-to-power ratio of 13.2 lb/hp. Raising 13.2 to the 0.75 power gives about 6.94, and 0.87 × 6.94 ≈ 6.0 seconds — a reasonable estimate for a car of that size and output, and about 151.5 hp per ton.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is this 0–60 estimate?
It is a rough approximation, typically within a second or so for normal road cars but often off for high-performance, all-wheel-drive or traction-limited cars. Use it to compare cars, not as a measured time.
Why does weight matter as much as power?
Acceleration depends on power relative to mass. Adding power or shedding weight both improve it, which is why lightweight cars can feel quick without huge horsepower and heavy cars need a lot of power to match.
What is a good power-to-weight ratio?
Everyday cars sit around 100–150 hp per ton; sporty cars run 200+ and supercars far higher. More power per ton generally means quicker acceleration, all else being equal.
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Educational estimate. Real-world results vary with conditions, tuning and measurement.