Rate of Descent Calculator

Calculate required descent rate for approach and descent planning.

Standard ILS/PAPI: 3.0 degrees

Quick ROD Reference

Ground Speed3.0° ROD3.5° ROD
60 kts318 fpm371 fpm
90 kts477 fpm557 fpm
120 kts636 fpm742 fpm
140 kts742 fpm866 fpm
160 kts848 fpm990 fpm

ROD Rule of Thumb

For 3-degree glide path:

ROD = Ground Speed x 5

Example: 120 kts x 5 = 600 fpm