Betaflight FPV Rates Calculator
Understanding FPV Drone Rates
This calculator converts legacy Betaflight rate parameters (RC Rate and Super Rate) into the Max Angular Velocity measured in degrees per second (deg/s). Understanding these numbers is crucial for tuning your FPV drone to match your flying style, whether you are a cinematic pilot requiring smoothness or a freestyle pilot performing rapid maneuvers.
The Core Components
- RC Rate: This is the base multiplier for stick sensitivity. It affects the entire stick range linearly. A higher RC Rate makes the drone feel more responsive everywhere.
- Super Rate: This parameter adds a curve to the sensitivity, increasing the rotation speed drastically as you push the stick towards the edges (full deflection). It allows for a "soft" center stick for precision while still enabling fast rolls and flips.
- Max Velocity (deg/s): The actual rotational speed of the drone at full stick deflection. For example, 360 deg/s means the drone takes exactly one second to complete a full roll.
Common Rate Profiles
| Style | Approx RC Rate | Approx Super Rate | Resulting Max Vel | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinematic | 0.80 | 0.00 – 0.30 | ~200-300 deg/s | Very smooth, slow turns, no fast flips. Best for stabilizers. |
| Racing | 1.00 | 0.50 – 0.60 | ~400-500 deg/s | Precise control with enough speed for sharp cornering. |
| Freestyle | 1.00 – 1.20 | 0.70 – 0.80 | ~660-1000 deg/s | Snappy response, incredibly fast rolls and flips ("Sbatty" style). |
The Math Behind Betaflight Rates
While Betaflight now offers "Actual Rates" where you simply type in your desired degrees per second, many pilots are accustomed to the "feel" of the legacy algorithm. The calculation used to determine the maximum velocity is:
Max Velocity = 200 × RC Rate × (1 / (1 - Super Rate))
Note: This formula applies when RC Expo is 0. If using RC Expo, the center stick feel changes, but the maximum rotation speed at full deflection usually remains determined by the formula above in legacy modes.
Tips for Tuning
If you find your drone is spinning too fast to control during a roll, lower your Super Rate. If the drone feels sluggish around the center stick (hovering adjustments), try increasing your RC Rate slightly. Always test new rates in a simulator or an open field with plenty of altitude.