How this calculator works
Add every component mass to find all-up mass. Weight is mass times standard gravity. Multiplying weight by the target thrust-to-weight ratio gives the combined thrust requirement; dividing evenly assumes identical motors and propellers. Use thrust measured with your actual propeller, battery voltage and air density.
Formula
Ttotal = m g ratio; Tmotor = Ttotal / motor count; g = 9.80665 m/s².
Worked example
A 1 kg quadcopter at a 2:1 thrust-to-weight ratio needs 19.6133 N total thrust, or 4.903325 N (0.5 kgf) per motor.
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Frequently asked questions
Does this select a motor model?
No. Compare the required thrust with a tested motor and propeller thrust table.
Why is mass not thrust?
Mass is measured in kilograms; thrust is a force measured in newtons or kilogram-force.
Is a ratio below 1 enough to hover?
No. Total thrust must at least equal weight to hover, and practical control needs additional headroom.