Binary Star Orbit
Calculate the total mass of a binary star system from orbital period and semi-major axis using Kepler's Third Law.
Inputs
years
AU
Results
Total System Mass
1 M☉
Orbital Velocity
29.79 km/s
Each Star (if equal)0.5 M☉
Period365.25 days
Separation499 light-sec
Orbital Energy-443,669,318.18
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the Orbital Period (years) of the binary system — obtainable from long-term radial velocity or astrometric monitoring.
- Enter the Semi-Major Axis (AU) of the relative orbit, derived from angular separation at known distance or interferometry.
- Read Total System Mass (M☉) computed via Kepler's Third Law (M = a³/P²).
- If the stars have equal mass, Each Star mass is half the total; use the mass ratio from spectroscopy for unequal pairs.
- Use Orbital Velocity (km/s) and Separation (light-sec) to contextualize the system's compactness.
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Formula
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