Dilation Calculator
Calculate the time dilation effect based on relative velocity using special relativity. Input the velocity and proper time to get the dilated time and Lorentz factor.
Published by:
isCalculator Editorial Team
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How to use this tool?
This calculator computes the time dilation effect from special relativity. It calculates the dilated time experienced by a stationary observer when a moving object travels at a given fraction of the speed of light.
How to Use
- Enter Velocity: Input the object's speed as a fraction of the speed of light (c). For example, 0.5 means half the speed of light. Must be between 0 and 0.999999.
- Enter Proper Time: Input the time interval (τ) measured in the moving object's own frame, in seconds. Must be a non-negative number.
- Click "Calculate": The calculator will display:
- Lorentz Factor (γ): The relativistic factor, always ≥ 1.
- Dilated Time (t): The time measured by a stationary observer, in seconds. This is always larger than proper time.
Note: All inputs are in SI units (seconds for time, dimensionless for velocity). The velocity must be strictly less than 1 (the speed of light).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Time dilation is a difference in the elapsed time measured by two observers, due to a relative velocity between them (special relativity) or a difference in gravitational potential (general relativity).
The Lorentz factor (γ) quantifies the amount of time dilation, length contraction, and relativistic mass increase. It is calculated as γ = 1/√(1 - v²/c²).
No, the velocity must be less than the speed of light (c). As v approaches c, the Lorentz factor approaches infinity, and time dilation becomes infinite.