This is a quick crib sheet to help you as you build model rockets. There is much more to be found on the Internet. If you find a helpful link please share it in the comments section below.
To Convert Inches (in) to Centimeters (cm): (in) * 2.54 = (cm’s)
Example: 5 in * 2.54 = 12.7 cm
To Convert Feet (ft) to Meters (m): (ft) / 3.281 = (m)
Example: 7 ft / 3.281 = 2.1335 m
To Convert Meters (m) to Feet (ft): (m) * 3.281 = (ft)
Example: 30 m * 3.281 = 98.43 ft
Added 1-19-19, for a guide to build your own altitude tracker using a protractor review this guide we put together.
Updated 7-20-16, some of the links below have changed the content and no longer include the simple altitude calculation so we have added it below.
To calculate the height of a right triangle: tan(angle) * distance = height
(yes, use a calculator to find the tangent)
Example: tan(59°) * 100 feet = 166.43 feet
Example: Sandy is launching her rocket. Her cousin, Tim, is standing 300 feet away with a protractor when Sandy launches her rocket. The protractor angle reads 127° when the rocket reaches its highest point, known as apogee. Tim knows he needs to subtract 90° from the angle on the protractor to get the correct angle. How high did the rocket go?
Sandy’s rocket flew about 226.07 feet in the air. (We round off the extra digits after .07)
Finding a side in a right-angled triangle
How to measure model rocket altitude
Rocket Center of pressure calculator
Rocket Altitude Calculator
Determine Maximum Altitude
OpenRocket Model Rocket Simulator – Freeware
Flight Simulator Programs (List of different software)