Nuclear Weapon Effects Calculator

Written: 2003-04-24
Last Revised: 2003-05-03

This form will calculate blast effects for nuclear weapons of arbitrary yield, based on the scaling laws printed in Carey Sublette's well-known Nuclear Weapons FAQ. These scaling laws are mathematical approximations and are actually very easy to use on your own, but most people prefer the simplicity of a pre-designed calculator format.

Input Weapon Yield

Yield (megatons)

Calculated Values

Thermal radiation radius (3rd degree burns)
Air blast radius (widespread destruction)
Air blast radius (near-total fatalities)
Ionizing radiation radius (500 rem)
Fireball duration
Fireball radius (minimum)
Fireball radius (airburst)
Fireball radius (ground-contact airburst)

Notes