About the Orbital Period Calculator

A Kepler's third law calculator for orbital mechanics, in your browser.

What it is

The Orbital Period Calculator solves Kepler's third law, T = 2ฯ€โˆš(aยณ/GM), to find how long it takes an object to orbit a central body. Enter a semi-major axis and central mass to get the period, or enter a known period to solve for the semi-major axis instead. It's built for students, astronomy enthusiasts, and anyone estimating satellite or planetary orbital mechanics.

Features

Two solve modes

Solve for orbital period or for semi-major axis, whichever value you're missing.

Preset central bodies

Choose the Sun, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, or enter any custom mass.

Multiple units

Enter distances in AU, km, or m; periods in years, days, or hours.

Step-by-step working

See the full substitution into Kepler's third law, not just the final answer.

Ready to use it?

Free, no sign-up required.

Open the Orbital Period Calculator