Hohmann Transfer Calculator (Earth)
Calculate the required delta-V (change in velocity) and transfer time for an efficient Hohmann transfer between two circular orbits around Earth. Assumes impulsive burns and coplanar orbits.
Interactive Hohmann Transfer
Initial Orbit
Transfer Orbit
Final Orbit
Burn Points
Move your cursor to explore all orbits. Hover near any orbit to see details.
Hover over the orbit visualization to see details
Hohmann Transfer Notes
- A Hohmann transfer is an orbital maneuver using two engine impulses (burns) to move between two coplanar circular orbits.
- It is generally the most fuel-efficient transfer method.
- ΔV₁: First burn increases/decreases speed to enter the elliptical transfer orbit.
- ΔV₂: Second burn at the opposite side of the transfer orbit to circularize into the final orbit.
- Altitude vs. Distance: This calculator supports two input modes:
- Altitude: Height above Earth's surface (e.g., 400 km for LEO)
- Distance: Measured from Earth's center (e.g., 6771 km for LEO)
- Conversion: Distance = Altitude + Earth radius (6371 km)
- Assumes instantaneous velocity changes (impulsive burns) and neglects perturbations.
- Calculations are specific to transfers around Earth.
- Transfer time is half the orbital period of the transfer ellipse.