Drone Motor & Flight Time Calculator

Calculate thrust, power, flight time, and battery requirements for your drone.

Design and optimize your drone by calculating the required motor thrust, power consumption, flight time, and battery size. Enter your drone's weight, desired thrust-to-weight ratio, number of motors, battery specs, and more to get instant results and recommendations.

Examples

Click an example to load it into the calculator.

Standard 4S Quadcopter

quad

A typical 1500g quadcopter with 4 motors, 4S battery, and 10-inch props.

Weight: 1500 g

T/W Ratio: 2

Motors: 4

Capacity: 5200 mAh

Voltage: 14.8 V

Efficiency: 8 g/W

Single Thrust: 900 g

Single Power: 120 W

Propeller: 10 in

ESC: 30 A

KV: 920

Heavy Lift Hexacopter

hex

A 3500g hexacopter for aerial photography, 6 motors, 6S battery, 13-inch props.

Weight: 3500 g

T/W Ratio: 2.2

Motors: 6

Capacity: 10000 mAh

Voltage: 22.2 V

Efficiency: 9 g/W

Single Thrust: 1400 g

Single Power: 220 W

Propeller: 13 in

ESC: 40 A

KV: 400

FPV Racing Drone

racing

A lightweight 600g racing quad, 4 motors, 4S battery, 5-inch props.

Weight: 600 g

T/W Ratio: 4

Motors: 4

Capacity: 1300 mAh

Voltage: 14.8 V

Efficiency: 7.5 g/W

Single Thrust: 1200 g

Single Power: 180 W

Propeller: 5 in

ESC: 35 A

KV: 2450

Long Range Endurance

longrange

A 1200g quadcopter optimized for long flight time, 4 motors, 4S battery, 7-inch props.

Weight: 1200 g

T/W Ratio: 2

Motors: 4

Capacity: 6000 mAh

Voltage: 14.8 V

Efficiency: 10 g/W

Single Thrust: 700 g

Single Power: 80 W

Propeller: 7 in

ESC: 25 A

KV: 900

Other Titles
Understanding Drone Motor & Flight Time Calculator: A Comprehensive Guide
Master drone design and optimization. Learn how to select motors, size batteries, and maximize flight time for any multirotor.

What is the Drone Motor & Flight Time Calculator?

  • Core Concepts and Definitions
  • Why Motor Sizing Matters
  • Key Parameters in Drone Design
The Drone Motor & Flight Time Calculator is an advanced engineering tool for hobbyists and professionals to optimize multirotor performance. It translates your drone's weight, battery, and motor specs into actionable recommendations for thrust, power, and flight time. This tool helps you avoid underpowered builds, maximize efficiency, and select the right components for your application.
Why Proper Motor Sizing is Critical
Choosing the right motor and propeller combination is essential for safe, efficient, and high-performance flight. Undersized motors may cause crashes, while oversized motors waste energy and reduce flight time. The calculator ensures your drone achieves the desired thrust-to-weight ratio, power output, and endurance.
Key Parameters Explained
Important parameters include total weight, thrust-to-weight ratio, number of motors, battery capacity and voltage, motor efficiency, propeller size, ESC current, and motor KV. Each affects your drone's ability to lift, accelerate, and fly for extended periods.

Key Metrics Explained:

  • Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: The ratio of total thrust to total weight. 2:1 is standard for stable flight.
  • Motor Efficiency: Grams of thrust per watt. Higher is better for endurance.
  • ESC Current: Should exceed max motor current for safety.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Calculator

  • Input Your Drone's Specs
  • Interpret the Results
  • Apply Recommendations
To use the calculator, enter your drone's total weight, desired thrust-to-weight ratio, number of motors, battery specs, and motor details. The tool instantly computes required thrust, power, and flight time, and flags any unsafe configurations.
1. Enter Accurate Inputs
Accurate input is crucial. Weigh your drone with all components, use manufacturer specs for motors and batteries, and select realistic values for efficiency and prop size.
2. Review Results and Warnings
Check the required thrust, power, and estimated flight time. If any warnings appear, adjust your configuration for safety and performance.
3. Apply Recommendations
Use the recommended motor KV, propeller size, ESC current, and battery specs to select compatible components for your build.

Example Use Cases:

  • Aerial Photography: Optimize for long flight time and stable lift.
  • FPV Racing: Maximize thrust-to-weight for agility.
  • Heavy Lift: Ensure motors can handle payload safely.

Real-World Applications of the Calculator

  • Hobby Drones
  • Professional Multirotors
  • Industrial & Research Uses
The calculator is used by drone hobbyists, FPV racers, aerial photographers, and engineers to design and optimize drones for various missions. It supports quadcopters, hexacopters, octocopters, and custom builds.
Hobby and FPV Drones
Hobbyists use the tool to maximize flight time, agility, and reliability. FPV racers tune for high thrust-to-weight ratios and rapid acceleration.
Professional and Commercial Drones
Aerial photographers and commercial operators use the calculator to ensure safe payload lifting, stable flight, and compliance with regulations.
Industrial and Research Applications
Engineers and researchers use the tool for heavy-lift drones, mapping, surveying, and experimental platforms requiring precise power and endurance calculations.

Application Scenarios:

  • Survey Drone: Long range, high efficiency, moderate payload.
  • Delivery Drone: Heavy lift, robust ESC and battery sizing.
  • Inspection Drone: Balanced for endurance and maneuverability.

Common Misconceptions and Correct Methods

  • Myths in Drone Sizing
  • Safety Margins
  • Component Compatibility
Many believe bigger motors or batteries always improve performance. In reality, oversizing can reduce efficiency and flight time. The calculator helps you find the optimal balance for your needs.
Myth: More Power is Always Better
Excessive thrust or battery size increases weight and reduces efficiency. Aim for a balanced configuration based on your mission profile.
Safety Margins are Essential
Always include a safety margin in thrust, power, and ESC current to prevent failures during aggressive maneuvers or emergencies.
Component Compatibility
Ensure all components (motors, ESCs, battery, props) are compatible in terms of voltage, current, and physical size.

Best Practices:

  • ESC current should be at least 20% higher than max motor draw.
  • Battery C rating must support total current draw.
  • Propeller size must match motor KV and voltage.

Mathematical Derivation and Examples

  • Formulas Used
  • Worked Examples
  • Advanced Calculations
The calculator uses standard formulas for thrust, power, and flight time. Required total thrust = total weight × thrust-to-weight ratio. Required single motor thrust = required total thrust / number of motors. Required total power = required total thrust / motor efficiency. Estimated flight time = (battery capacity × battery voltage × 0.8) / (required total power × 1000 / 60). Safety factors are included for real-world conditions.
Formulas Explained
  • Required Total Thrust (g) = Total Weight (g) × Thrust-to-Weight Ratio
  • Required Single Motor Thrust (g) = Required Total Thrust / Number of Motors
  • Required Total Power (W) = Required Total Thrust / Motor Efficiency (g/W)
  • Required Single Motor Power (W) = Required Total Power / Number of Motors
  • Estimated Flight Time (min) = (Battery Capacity (mAh) × Battery Voltage (V) × 0.8) / (Required Total Power (W) × 1000 / 60)
  • Actual Thrust-to-Weight Ratio = (Single Motor Thrust × Number of Motors) / Total Weight
Worked Example: Standard Quadcopter

A 1500g quadcopter with 4 motors, 2:1 thrust-to-weight, 5200mAh 4S battery, 8 g/W efficiency:

  • Required Total Thrust = 1500 × 2 = 3000g
  • Required Single Thrust = 3000 / 4 = 750g
  • Required Total Power = 3000 / 8 = 375W
  • Required Single Power = 375 / 4 = 93.75W
  • Estimated Flight Time = (5200 × 14.8 × 0.8) / (375 × 1000 / 60) ≈ 9.85 min

Mathematical Examples:

  • Hexacopter: 3500g, 6 motors, 2.2:1 ratio, 9 g/W efficiency, 10000mAh 6S battery.
  • Racing Drone: 600g, 4 motors, 4:1 ratio, 7.5 g/W, 1300mAh 4S battery.