Schwarzschild Radius
Calculator
Results
- Schwarzschild radius (km)
- 2.954007
- Event horizon diameter (km)
- 5.908015
- Event horizon area (km²)
- 109.656182
Astronomy results
| Schwarzschild radius (km) | 2.954007 |
| Event horizon diameter (km) | 5.908015 |
| Event horizon area (km²) | 109.656182 |
formula-map diagram
- Schwarzschild radius (km)
- 2.954007
- Event horizon diameter (km)
- 5.908015
- Event horizon area (km²)
- 109.656182
Astronomical relationship
Formula
r_s = 2 G M / c²= 2.9540077364911
Note
This result is a simplified model: it applies the displayed textbook formula to the values you entered, assuming ideal spherical bodies, circular orbits, blackbody radiation and perfect optics, and ignoring atmospheric seeing, relativistic corrections beyond those stated, cosmological models and measurement uncertainty. Use published ephemerides and catalogue data for real observations.
More in Astronomy and space
See all →Frequently asked questions
What does the Schwarzschild radius represent?+
It's the radius to which a given mass would need to be compressed for its escape velocity at that radius to equal the speed of light, forming a black hole. Any mass compressed within its own Schwarzschild radius becomes a black hole, since nothing, not even light, could escape from inside it.
What is the Schwarzschild radius formula, and what does each part mean?+
The formula is r_s = 2GM/c², where G is the gravitational constant, M is the object's mass, and c is the speed of light. Notice it depends only on mass — it's a simple linear relationship, so doubling the mass exactly doubles the Schwarzschild radius.
Does the Earth or the Sun have a Schwarzschild radius even though they aren't black holes?+
Yes — every mass has a mathematically defined Schwarzschild radius, it just isn't physically meaningful unless the object is actually compressed that small. Earth's Schwarzschild radius is about 9 millimeters, and the Sun's is about 3 kilometers, both far smaller than their actual radii.
Why don't the Earth and Sun collapse into black holes if they have a Schwarzschild radius?+
A black hole only forms if all of an object's mass is actually packed inside that radius; ordinary matter's internal pressure holds stars and planets at a far larger size. Only extreme processes, like the core collapse of a massive star, can compress matter down to within its own Schwarzschild radius.
Is the Schwarzschild radius the same as the black hole's visible 'size'?+
Essentially yes — it defines the event horizon, the boundary beyond which nothing can escape and which appears as the black hole's dark silhouette to an outside observer. It is not a physical surface, though; it's a mathematical boundary in spacetime, not a solid edge.