How Fast Does a Skydiver Fall? Average Speed Explained

By Sarah Miller · January 10, 2043

On average, a skydiver in a stable belly-to-earth position falls at a speed of approximately 120 miles per hour (193 kilometers per hour). This terminal velocity can vary based on body position, weight, altitude, and environmental conditions.

Understanding Terminal Velocity in Skydiving

When a skydiver jumps from an aircraft, they initially accelerate due to gravity. After about 10 to 15 seconds of freefall, air resistance balances gravitational pull, resulting in a constant falling speed known as terminal velocity. This speed is not fixed and depends on several physical and environmental factors.

What Determines How Fast a Skydiver Falls?

Body Position: A spread-eagle or belly-down posture increases air resistance, slowing descent. A head-down or streamlined position reduces drag, increasing speed.
Body Mass and Surface Area: Heavier skydivers with compact builds reach higher speeds than lighter individuals with larger surface areas.
Altitude and Air Density: Thinner air at high altitudes offers less resistance, allowing faster acceleration before terminal velocity is reached.
Suit Design: Specialized wingsuits or tight-fitting jumpsuits can significantly alter aerodynamics and fall rate.

Different Freefall Speeds by Position

Skydivers can manipulate their speed by changing their body orientation. The following table outlines typical freefall velocities across various positions:

Body Position	Average Speed (mph)	Average Speed (km/h)	Time to Reach Terminal Velocity
Belly-to-Earth (Stable)	120	193	10–15 seconds
Head-Down	150–180	241–290	8–12 seconds
Sit-Fly (Horizontal)	130–160	209–257	10–14 seconds
Tracking (Arms & Legs Extended)	110–130	177–209	12–16 seconds
Wingsuit Flight	90–110	145–177	15–20 seconds

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The data shows that traditional belly-down skydiving produces the most consistent terminal velocity around 120 mph. Advanced positions like head-down diving can exceed 180 mph due to reduced cross-sectional area. Wingsuits, while slower vertically, generate significant lift, enabling horizontal travel over long distances.

How Long Does It Take to Reach Maximum Speed?

Most skydivers reach terminal velocity within 10 to 15 seconds after jumping from typical altitudes (10,000–15,000 feet). During this time, they accelerate at 9.8 m/s² until drag force equals weight. The exact time depends on jump altitude, initial exit dynamics, and atmospheric conditions.

Key Phases of Freefall Acceleration

0–5 seconds: Rapid acceleration; speed increases quickly with minimal air resistance.
5–10 seconds: Air resistance builds; rate of acceleration decreases.
10+ seconds: Forces balance; constant speed (terminal velocity) is maintained until parachute deployment.

Factors That Influence Skydiving Descent Rate

Beyond body position, external and physiological elements affect how fast a skydiver falls:

Weight and Gear Load

Heavier skydivers fall faster because greater mass requires more air resistance to counteract gravity. Additional gear, such as cameras or oxygen systems, can slightly increase total weight and thus fall speed.

Atmospheric Conditions

Cold air is denser than warm air, creating more drag and slightly reducing terminal velocity. Humidity and barometric pressure also play minor roles in aerodynamic resistance.

Altitude of Jump

Jumps from higher altitudes (e.g., 18,000+ feet) allow longer acceleration phases due to thinner air at high elevations. This can result in slightly higher peak speeds before stabilization.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skydiver Fall Speed

How fast does a skydiver fall in mph?

A skydiver typically falls at around 120 miles per hour (mph) in a standard belly-to-earth position. Advanced positions like head-down diving can increase this speed to between 150 and 180 mph.

What is the terminal velocity of a human in freefall?

The terminal velocity of a human in freefall is approximately 120 mph when in a stable, spread-out position. Without air resistance, such as in a vacuum, a person would continue accelerating at 9.8 m/s² indefinitely.

Do heavier skydivers fall faster?

Yes, heavier skydivers generally fall faster because increased mass leads to higher terminal velocity. They require more air resistance to balance gravitational force, which is achieved at a higher speed.

How long does it take to reach terminal velocity when skydiving?

Most skydivers reach terminal velocity within 10 to 15 seconds of freefall. The exact time depends on body position, weight, and atmospheric conditions.

Can you hear anything while falling at 120 mph?

Despite the high speed, many skydivers report being able to hear wind noise and communicate with nearby divers using hand signals or pre-arranged cues. However, conversation is impossible without specialized equipment due to extreme wind noise.