Hot Air Balloon Lifting Force Calculator

Calculate the lifting force from a hot air balloon based on the density difference between balloon air and surrounding air, and the balloon volume using the formula: Fl = V (ρc - ρh) ag

Hot Air Balloon Lifting Force Calculator

Formula

Fl = V (ρc - ρh) ag

Where:

  • Fl = lifting force (N)
  • V = balloon volume (m³)
  • ρc = density of cold surrounding air (kg/m³)
  • ρh = density of hot balloon air (kg/m³)
  • ag = acceleration of gravity (9.81 m/s²)

Example

A hot air balloon with volume 10 m³ heated to 100°C with surrounding air at 20°C:

  • Air density at 100°C: 0.946 kg/m³
  • Air density at 20°C: 1.205 kg/m³
  • Lifting force = (10) × (1.205 - 0.946) × 9.81 = 25.4 N
Calculator

Inputs

Results

Lifting Force-- N
Lifted Mass-- kg