Turning Radius Calculator

Divide the wheelbase (WB) of the vehicle by the tangent of the steering angle (a) to calculate the turning radius (TR). The Turning Radius Calculator helps determine the minimum radius a vehicle requires to execute a turn.

This calculation is essential for designing parking lots, roadways, or other spaces where vehicles navigate tight turns. It applies to cars, trucks, trailers, aircraft, and ships. By considering factors like wheelbase and steering angle, the calculator ensures safe and efficient turning capabilities, optimizing vehicle maneuverability and planning.

Formula:

Contents

1 Formula:
2 Solved Calculations:
3 What is the Turning Radius Calculator?
4 Final Words

TR = $WB / \tan(a)$

Variable	Description	Unit
TR	Turning radius	Feet (ft) or meters (m)
WB	Wheelbase	Feet (ft) or meters (m)
$a$	Steering angle	Degrees (°)
$\tan(a)$	Tangent of the steering angle	Unitless

Solved Calculations:

Example 1: Calculating Turning Radius for a Car with $WB = 2.5 \, \text{m}$ and $a = 35°$

Step	Value	Explanation
Wheelbase ( $WB$ )	2.5 m	Distance between front and rear axles
Steering angle ( $a$ )	35°	Steering angle in degrees
Formula: $TR = WB / \tan(a)$	$TR = 2.5 / \tan(35)$	Substitute values
Calculation	$TR = 2.5 / 0.7002$	Use a calculator for $\tan(35°)$
Result	$TR = 3.57 \, \text{m}$	The turning radius

Example 2: Calculating Turning Radius for a Truck with $WB = 4.5 \, \text{m}$ and $a = 25°$

Step	Value	Explanation
Wheelbase ( $WB$ )	4.5 m	Distance between front and rear axles
Steering angle ( $a$ )	25°	Steering angle in degrees
Formula: $TR = WB / \tan(a)$	$TR = 4.5 / \tan(25)$	Substitute values
Calculation	$TR = 4.5 / 0.4663$	Use a calculator for $\tan(25°)$
Result	$TR = 9.65 \, \text{m}$	The turning radius

What is the Turning Radius Calculator?

The Turning Radius Calculator is a practical tool that is designed to estimate the minimum turning radius of a vehicle or object based on key input parameters. It is widely used in fields such as transportation, engineering, and urban planning to analyze the maneuverability of vehicles like cars, trucks, trailers, aircraft, and ships.

By entering values such as wheelbase, steering angle, and track width, the calculator determines the turning radius accurately. This information helps assess whether a vehicle can navigate tight spaces like parking lots, driveways, or intersections.

For trucks and trailers, it is invaluable in ensuring safe and efficient route planning. The tool also supports specialized applications like calculating the turning radius for forklifts, ships, or aircraft in specific operational scenarios.

Additionally, it aids architects, engineers, and logistics professionals in designing layouts that accommodate vehicle turning requirements, minimizing the risk of collisions or inefficiencies.

Final Words

In essence, the Turning Radius Calculator provides a precise and user-friendly way to determine turning capabilities, making it an indispensable asset for both professional and everyday use. It simplifies planning and ensures safety and efficiency in various vehicular operations.