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Vertical Drop & Recorded Descent Calculator

Compare elevations with a documented reference drop, or total actual descent legs with units and repeat counts. Save the source, datum and activity record.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Upper elevation, Lower elevation, Elevation unit, Reference drop (0 = none), and 4 more
Output to expect
Elevation difference and reference comparison, Recorded descent legs
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Separate endpoint difference from a comparison ratio

Subtract lower elevation from upper elevation in a shared vertical datum. An optional reference drop gives a fractional ratio; it is not a count of completed ski runs. Enter 0 when no reference is supplied.

Sum actual descent legs

For each recorded leg, subtract end from start, convert international feet using 0.3048 m per foot and multiply by actual repeats. Sum these drops and divide by total recorded legs for the weighted mean. Split routes with intermediate climbs into separate descent legs.

Updated: September 2026

FAQ

Yes. Negative elevations and equal endpoints are valid if they use the same datum. The designated upper or start elevation must be at least the lower or end elevation.

No. It compares a height difference with a supplied reference. Use the recorded descent mode with actual leg records to total an activity; a leg is not automatically a complete ski run.

No. Intermediate climbs and descents are omitted from a single endpoint subtraction. Split the route into descent legs and preserve the measurement source and datum. GPS sampling noise can distort cumulative elevation.

Save measurement explicitly stores a local history entry. Copy Markdown Report includes inputs and notes; Download CSV exports the result breakdown. Keep important records separately from browser storage.

About Vertical Drop & Recorded Descent Calculator

Use endpoint difference for a single high-to-low comparison, or sum actual descent legs for an activity record. Keep elevation units, vertical datum and repetition counts explicit.