Thrust-to-Weight Ratio
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio
The thrust-to-weight ratio decides whether a vehicle can climb steeply or, for a rocket, lift off at all.
The ratio is T/W. where T is the thrust and W the weight.
Inputs
T := 200 kN=200000 N
W := 150 kN=150000 N
Divide thrust by weight.
TW := T/W=1.33
Results
A value above 1 means a rocket can accelerate vertically off the pad; for aircraft, higher ratios give better climb and acceleration. It is dimensionless.
Assumptions & limitations
- Thrust and weight in the same units.
- Instantaneous (weight changes as fuel burns).
- Vertical reference.