Time Dilation Calculator

Calculate how time slows down at high velocities (special relativity) or in strong gravitational fields (general relativity).

Calculator

Time Dilation Formula:
t = t₀ / √(1 - v²/c²)

About Time Dilation

Time dilation is a difference in elapsed time measured by two clocks due to relative velocity or gravitational potential.

Special Relativity:

Time slows down at high velocities

General Relativity:

Time slows down in strong gravity

Features

  • Velocity time dilation
  • Gravitational time dilation
  • Lorentz factor calculation
  • Multiple velocity units
  • Multiple time units
  • Real-world examples
  • High precision results
  • Copy results

Real Examples

GPS Satellites:

Gain ~38 μs/day due to velocity and gravity

ISS Astronauts:

Age ~0.007s less per 6 months

Particle Accelerators:

Muons live longer at 0.999c

Black Holes:

Extreme time dilation near event horizon

Key Concepts

Proper Time (t₀):

Time measured by moving observer

Dilated Time (t):

Time measured by stationary observer

Lorentz Factor (γ):

Ratio of dilated to proper time

Speed of Light (c):

299,792,458 m/s (universal constant)

Applications

  • GPS satellite corrections
  • Particle physics experiments
  • Space travel calculations
  • Astrophysics research
  • Atomic clock synchronization
  • Relativity education
  • Science fiction accuracy

Interesting Facts

Did You Know?

Twin Paradox: A twin traveling at high speed ages slower than their Earth-bound twin

GPS Accuracy: Without relativistic corrections, GPS would drift by ~10 km/day

Near Light Speed: At 0.999c, 1 year for you = 22.4 years on Earth

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