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Drone Calculator Overview


Figure 1. Drone Calculator Overview

Drone Calculator is a set of tools designed to estimate drone performance based on user input parameters. The tool overview provides direct access to each calculator and a shortcut into Basic Drone Design when a broader design workflow is needed. It offers the following key functions:

  • Flight Time: Estimates optimal flight duration based on drone total weight, battery capacity, voltage, and other relevant factors.
  • Weight & Frame Size: Calculates the appropriate frame diagonal and disk loading based on drone weight, drone type, propeller diameter, and clearance.
  • Motor Spec: Determines the optimal motor specifications based on total weight, thrust-to-weight ratio, and battery cell count.
  • Current Consumption: Estimates the required battery capacity and expected flight time based on total weight, number of motors, voltage, and selected flight mode.

Calculator Descriptions​

2.1. Flight Time​

Hover time is the maximum time a drone can maintain stationary flight, calculated based on battery capacity and power consumption.

thover=60×PhoverVavg×CAh×0.8t_{hover} = 60 \times \frac{P_{hover}}{V_{avg} \times C_{Ah}} \times 0.8

Calculates hover time, cruise time, and flight distance, with a battery discharge graph to visually understand the flight profile.

→ View Flight Time Calculator Details


2.2. Weight & Size​

Evaluates whether the drone's total weight and frame size are appropriate, and calculates disk loading based on propeller diameter, motor count, and clearance.

Fmin=sin⁡(π/n)×(D+c)F_{min} = \sin(\pi/n) \times (D + c)

DL=m×gn×π×(D/2)2DL = \frac{m \times g}{n \times \pi \times (D/2)^2}

→ View Weight & Size Calculator Details


2.3. Motor Spec​

Evaluates whether the selected motor is suitable for the drone configuration, and calculates required thrust per motor and ESC current requirements.

Tmotor=(T/W)×m×gnT_{motor} = \frac{(T/W) \times m \times g}{n}

IESC=Vavg×nPhoverI_{ESC} = \frac{V_{avg} \times n}{P_{hover}}

→ View Motor Spec Calculator Details


2.4. Current Consumption​

Estimates average and peak current based on flight mode, and evaluates the suitability of battery and ESC.

Iavg=PmodeVavgI_{avg} = \frac{P_{mode}}{V_{avg}}

Ipeak≈1.4×IavgI_{peak} \approx 1.4 \times I_{avg}

→ View Current Consumption Calculator Details


Quick Start​

Each calculator includes a Quick Theory section to help you understand the calculation principles. Please refer to this section before using the calculator.


Need Assistance or Have Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions: FAQ Link

Support Inquiries: support@everysim.io