Approach, Breakover & Departure Angle Calculator

Measure a few points with a tape measure to get your approach, breakover and departure angles, then see how much a lift and bigger tires add.

Measure your vehicle (inches)

Wheel center heightground to hub center, on its tiresFront: distance ahead of front wheel centerto the lowest front point (bumper, air dam)Front: height of that pointRear: distance behind rear wheel centerto the lowest rear point (bumper, hitch, tank)Rear: height of that pointWheelbaseBelly: distance behind front wheel centerlowest point between the axles; half the wheelbase if unsureBelly: height of that point

Planned mods (optional)

Suspension lift (in)0 for noneTire diameter increase (in)e.g. 3 for 30 to 33

Approach angle

39.2°

front · after mods 49.0° (+9.7)

Breakover angle

25.0°

between the axles · after mods 36.4° (+11.4)

Departure angle

34.1°

rear · after mods 42.2° (+8.0)

Measure on level ground at normal tire pressure. Mods assume every point is on the body or frame, so it rises with the suspension lift and half the tire increase; anything on the axle (differential, axle-mounted bumper) only rises with the tires. Example values are illustrative, not a specific vehicle.

How the angles are defined

These follow the federal definitions in 49 CFR 523.2. Approach and departure angles are the angle between the ground and a line that touches the tire and the lowest point ahead of (or behind) it. Breakover angle is the steepest crest you can drive over before the belly touches, measured with lines touching the front and rear tires.