Golf Distance Altitude Calculator
Calculate how much further your golf ball will travel at different elevations.
New Carry Distance
Total gain/loss: 0 yards (0%)
Understanding How Altitude Affects Your Yardages
If you've ever played golf in the mountains, you likely noticed the ball flying significantly further than it does at sea level. This isn't just a mental trick—it's physics. As you increase in altitude, the air becomes thinner (less dense). Thinner air creates less aerodynamic drag on the ball, allowing it to maintain speed longer and cover more distance.
The Formula Behind the Calculation
The standard rule of thumb used by professional caddies and launch monitor manufacturers is that a golf ball carries approximately 1% to 1.2% further for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. This calculator uses a baseline factor of 1.16% per 1,000 feet, which aligns with modern trackman and flightscope data for average clubhead speeds.
Example: If you hit a 7-iron 150 yards at sea level and travel to Denver, Colorado (approx. 5,280 ft), the calculation is:
150 yards × (1 + (5.28 × 0.0116)) = 159.2 yards.
Factors That Influence These Results
- Launch Angle: High-spin shots (wedges) see a larger total distance variance than low-spin shots (drivers) because the lack of air density significantly reduces the "lift" force.
- Temperature: Warm air is less dense than cold air. If you move from a cold sea-level climate to a hot mountain climate, the distance gain will be even more pronounced.
- Humidity: Surprisingly, humid air is actually less dense than dry air, though its effect on golf ball flight is minimal compared to altitude and temperature.
Practical Tips for Mountain Golf
When traveling to higher elevations, don't just guess your yardages. Use the calculator above to print out a "cheat sheet" for your bag. A common mistake is only adjusting for the driver; remember that your gapping between irons will also expand. A 10-yard gap at sea level might become a 12-yard gap at 6,000 feet.