Flight Altitude from GSD Calculator
A free, browser-based calculator. Runs entirely in your browser — no sign up, nothing stored.
100% FreeRuns in your browserIntermediate
Enter Values
Enter your values and press Calculate to see results.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the target GSD, sensor width, focal length and image width.
- Press Calculate.
- Read the flight altitude needed.
How it works
Altitude = (GSD × focal length × image width) ÷ sensor width — the inverse of the GSD formula.
Worked example
2 cm/px target. Tells you how high to fly to achieve it for your camera.
Frequently asked questions
Check the legal height limit?
Yes — many countries cap drone altitude (often 120 m / 400 ft). If the result exceeds your limit, use a longer lens or accept a coarser GSD.
Related tools
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
All calculations run in your browser. Your inputs are never saved or transmitted.