Calculate your vehicle's trap speed (MPH) at the quarter mile finish line based on horsepower, weight, and environmental conditions.
Trap speed is one of the most important metrics in drag racing, representing your vehicle's true power potential. Unlike ET (elapsed time), which can be affected by poor launches or traction issues, trap speed directly reflects engine performance and aerodynamic efficiency.
This trap speed calculator uses the proven formula MPH = 234 × (HP/Weight)^(1/3) with corrections for atmospheric density, temperature, and humidity. Professional drag racers use trap speed data to tune engines, optimize gear ratios, and predict performance changes.
While elapsed time measures how quickly you complete the quarter mile, trap speed measures your vehicle's velocity at the finish line. A car with poor traction might have a slow ET but still achieve high trap speed, indicating strong engine performance. This makes trap speed calculations essential for engine tuning and power verification.
Our drag racing calculator accounts for power-to-weight ratio, drivetrain losses, and environmental factors to provide accurate trap speed predictions for both street cars and race vehicles.