Physics

Stokes Settling Velocity Calculator

Estimate terminal settling speed of a small sphere in a viscous fluid.

SI units shown beside each fieldIdeal model explained below
Physics lab
Physics lab

Use the units beside each input and review the model assumptions.

See the method

Define your system

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Your calculated quantity

Your result

Let’s calculate.

Use the Calculate button to see your result.

Review the method below for assumptions and conventions.

How to use this tool

  1. Enter particle density, fluid density, particle diameter, dynamic viscosity.
  2. Select Calculate to view the result.
  3. Check the method and assumptions below before using the result.

The method, explained

Terminal speed = (ρparticle−ρfluid)g d²/(18μ), with standard gravity.

A WORKED EXAMPLE

Using particle density = 2500 kg/m³, fluid density = 1000 kg/m³, particle diameter = 10 µm, dynamic viscosity = 0.001 Pa·s, the result is 0.0000817220833 m/s. Change these example inputs to match your task; use the method above to check each step.

Understanding your result

Stokes model requires particle Reynolds number much less than one, isolated spheres and no wall effects. Negative speed indicates rising.

What to keep in mind

Stokes model requires particle Reynolds number much less than one, isolated spheres and no wall effects. Negative speed indicates rising. An idealized educational model using the stated SI units. Real systems may need additional forces, losses or experimental measurements. Not a safety or equipment specification.

Common questions

How do I use this stokes settling velocity calculator?

Estimate terminal settling speed of a small sphere in a viscous fluid. Enter particle density in kg/m³, fluid density in kg/m³, particle diameter in µm, dynamic viscosity in Pa·s. The starting example is editable; use values for the same system or project.

Which assumptions affect this result?

Stokes model requires particle Reynolds number much less than one, isolated spheres and no wall effects. Negative speed indicates rising.

Methodology maintained by ClarityKit. How these tools are built and checked.