Relativity Time Dilation Calculator

Discover how time slows down at near-light speeds using Einstein's Special Relativity

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"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity."

— Albert Einstein

Journey Parameters

Choose Travel Speed

Or Enter Speed (% of light speed)

539,626,425 km/h

Trip Duration (years) How long the journey should take according to someone on Earth

Choose Destination

Custom Distance (light-years)

Travel Speed (% of light speed)

Understanding Time Dilation

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Einstein's Discovery

Special Relativity (1905) proved that time is not absolute. The faster you move, the slower time passes for you relative to stationary observers.

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It's Real!

Time dilation has been proven with atomic clocks on jets, GPS satellites, and particle accelerators. GPS wouldn't work without accounting for it.

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The Twin Paradox

If one twin travels at near-light speed and returns, they'll be younger than their Earth-bound twin. This isn't a paradox—it's proven physics!

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Why Can't We?

Reaching even 10% of light speed would require more energy than humanity has ever produced. But the physics is real and fascinating!

The Mathematics

Lorentz Factor (γ)

γ = 1 / √(1 - v²/c²)

Where v is velocity and c is the speed of light

Time Dilation Formula

Δt' = Δt / γ

Where Δt is time for stationary observer, Δt' is time for moving traveler

Relativity Time Dilation Calculator