Breakover Angle Calculator

What Is Breakover Angle?

Breakover angle is the maximum angle a vehicle can drive over without the middle of the chassis hitting the ground.

Think of driving over a sharp hill, a speed bump, or a rock ridge. The front wheels climb up, the rear wheels follow, and the lowest point of the vehicle passes over the peak. If the vehicle bottoms out in the middle, that is a breakover failure.

In simple terms:

• Higher breakover angle = better at clearing obstacles
• Lower breakover angle = higher risk of getting stuck

Why Breakover Angle Matters

Breakover angle affects more than hardcore off-roading.

It matters for:

• Steep driveways
• Speed bumps
• Construction ramps
• Snow ruts
• Trails and fire roads
• Rock crawling and dunes

Many vehicles scrape not because the tires are too small, but because the wheelbase is long and the center clearance is low.

What a Breakover Angle Calculator Does

A breakover angle calculator takes your vehicle’s dimensions and turns them into a usable number.

This calculator uses:

• Wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles)
• Ground clearance (lowest point at the center)
• Optional modifications like suspension lifts and larger tires

It then calculates the geometric breakover angle using trigonometry. You do not need to understand the math to use it, but the logic is solid and realistic.

Inputs Explained in Simple Terms

Wheelbase

This is the distance between the front and rear axles.

• Shorter wheelbase = better breakover
• Longer wheelbase = worse breakover

Pickup trucks and long SUVs usually struggle here.

Ground Clearance

This is the lowest point under the middle of the vehicle, not under the axles.

Skid plates, exhausts, and crossmembers often reduce real clearance.

Units

You can use:

• Inches
• Millimeters

The calculator works the same either way.

Suspension Lift (Optional)

A suspension lift adds clearance directly.

Example:

• 2-inch lift = 2 inches more clearance

This has a strong effect on breakover angle.

Tire Diameter Increase (Optional)

Larger tires help, but only half as much as many people expect.

Why?

• Only the tire radius increases clearance
• A 2-inch taller tire adds 1 inch of clearance

The calculator accounts for this correctly.

How the Calculator Works (Without the Math Headache)

Behind the scenes, the calculator:

1. Adds lift and tire radius to your base clearance
2. Uses wheelbase and clearance to form two right triangles
3. Calculates the angle at the center
4. Converts it to degrees
5. Compares stock vs modified results

This gives you:

• True breakover angle
• Gain from modifications
• Realistic performance rating

Understanding the Results

Breakover Angle (Degrees)

This is the main number.

General guidelines:

• Under 14°: Low
• 14–20°: Moderate
• 20–28°: High
• 28°+: Extreme

Effective Clearance

This shows your actual center clearance after mods.

It helps you visualize how much space you really gained.

Angle Increase From Mods

This tells you whether your lift or tires were worth it.

Sometimes the gain is smaller than expected, especially with long wheelbases.

Ramp Height

This represents the maximum height at the center that the vehicle can clear.

It equals effective clearance, but shown for clarity.

Rating and Terrain Advice

The calculator converts numbers into real-world meaning, such as:

• Street-focused
• Stock SUV capable
• Trail ready
• Rock crawler level

This helps you decide where your vehicle is comfortable and where it is at risk.

Real-World Examples

Stock Sedan

• Long wheelbase
• Low clearance
  Result: Very low breakover angle
  Risk: Scraping on speed bumps and steep driveways

Stock SUV

• Moderate wheelbase
• Better clearance
  Result: Decent breakover
  Works well on gravel roads and light trails

Lifted Jeep or Short Wheelbase 4x4

• Short wheelbase
• High clearance
  Result: High or extreme breakover
  Handles rocks, crests, and ledges with ease

Common Mistakes People Make

• Overestimating the benefit of bigger tires
• Ignoring wheelbase length
• Measuring clearance at the axles instead of the center
• Assuming approach and departure angles are enough

Breakover angle fills the gap those numbers miss.

Who Should Use a Breakover Angle Calculator?

This tool is useful if you:

• Are planning a lift or tire upgrade
• Want to compare vehicles honestly
• Drive on uneven terrain
• Experience frequent scraping or high-centering
• Care about real geometry, not marketing claims