Understeer Gradient Calculator

Understeer gradient (K):

Wheelbase (L):

Mass of the vehicle (m):

Front axle load (W_f):

Rear axle load (W_r):

Front tyre cornering stiffness (C_f):

Rear tyre cornering stiffness (C_r):

How This Is Calculated

$$ K = \frac{L}{m} - \left( \frac{W_f}{C_f} - \frac{W_r}{C_r} \right) $$ where:

K = Understeer gradient (° per g)

L = Wheelbase (m)

m = Mass of the vehicle (kg)

W_f = Front axle load (N)

W_r = Rear axle load (N)

C_f = Front tyre cornering stiffness (N/°)

C_r = Rear tyre cornering stiffness (N/°)

Assumptions

Dynamic load transfer is not considered.
The vehicle is modeled as a rigid body with no suspension effects.
Tyre characateristics are ideal.
Road surface and load effects are neglected.

Related Calculators

Lateral Acceleration

Lateral Force on a Tyre

Slip Angle

Yaw Rate

Tractive Force