Performance Calculator
Quarter Mile Calculator
Estimate your car's quarter mile elapsed time (ET) and trap speed using the industry-standard Hale/Fox formula from horsepower and vehicle weight.
Vehicle Specs
Disclaimer: Mathematical estimate only. Real quarter mile times depend on launch technique, traction, altitude, temperature, tire compound, and many other variables. ±1–2 second margin is typical.
Quarter Mile ET
elapsed time
Trap Speed
105 mph
Power-to-Weight
10.0 lbs/hp
Est. 0-60
5.1s
Class
Street
ET Reference Chart
The quarter mile formula.
Trap Speed = 234 × (HP / Weight)^(1/3) mph
AWD bonus: ET × 0.93
FWD penalty: ET × 1.05
Frequently asked questions.
What is a quarter mile time?
It is the elapsed time (ET) a car takes to cover a quarter mile (1,320 feet) from a standing start, along with the trap speed at the finish line — the classic drag-racing measure of straight-line performance.
What is a fast quarter mile time?
An average sedan runs 15–17 seconds, hot hatches and sports cars 13–15, and muscle cars and supercars 10–12. Anything under 10 seconds usually requires serious modification or a dedicated race car.
How is quarter mile time estimated?
It is estimated from the car's power-to-weight ratio using formulas like Roger Huntington's. Real-world times also depend on traction, tires, gearing, launch technique, and driver skill.