1/4 Mile Calculator
Convert quarter mile distance to feet, meters, and kilometers. Estimate drag racing elapsed times and trap speed.
What Is a Quarter Mile?
A quarter mile is a distance equal to 1,320 feet or approximately 402.34 meters. It is commonly used in drag racing, athletics, and distance measurement.
A quarter mile (1/4 mile) is a unit of distance commonly used in the United States. It represents one-fourth of a mile, which is the standard distance for drag racing events. The quarter mile has become synonymous with acceleration performance testing in the automotive world.
How Long Is a Quarter Mile?
A quarter mile is exactly 1,320 feet, 440 yards, or approximately 402.34 meters. To put it in perspective, it takes the average person about 3-4 minutes to walk a quarter mile at a normal pace, while professional sprinters can cover this distance in under a minute.
1/4 Mile in Feet, Meters and Kilometers
Understanding quarter mile conversions is essential for international comparison:
Quarter Mile Time Estimate
Quarter mile times vary greatly depending on the mode of transportation:
FAQs About 1/4 Mile Distance
Why is a quarter mile used for drag racing?
The quarter mile became the standard for drag racing in the 1950s because it provided enough distance to showcase a vehicle's acceleration while being short enough to keep races exciting. It allows cars to reach near-maximum speed while still being safe.
How do I calculate my quarter mile time?
You can estimate your quarter mile ET (elapsed time) using the formula: ET = 5.825 × (weight/horsepower)^(1/3). Our calculator above does this automatically when you enter your vehicle's weight and horsepower.
What is a good quarter mile time?
For street cars, anything under 14 seconds is considered fast. Most modern sports cars run 11-13 seconds. Dedicated drag cars can run 8-10 seconds, while professional Top Fuel dragsters complete the quarter mile in about 3.7 seconds.
What is trap speed?
Trap speed is the speed of a vehicle as it crosses the finish line (timing trap) at the end of the quarter mile. It's a good indicator of a vehicle's top-end power and aerodynamics.
Need More Calculations?
Check out our blog for detailed guides on drag racing, quarter mile times, and performance calculations.
Read More