Aviation & Aeronautics
Basic

Rate of Climb

Vertical speed is the altitude gained per unit time (ft per minute).

Formula

ROC=ΔhtROC = \dfrac{\Delta h}{t}

Variables

ROCRate of climb (fpm)
\Delta hAltitude change (ft)
tTime (min)

Example

Climb 3000 ft in 5 min: ROC = 600 fpm

Did You Know?

Rate of climb is shown on the vertical speed indicator in feet per minute.

climbvertical speedperformance