The coefficient of lift () is a dimensionless parameter used in aerodynamics to quantify the lift generated by an airfoil or a wing. It is defined as the ratio of the lift force ( to the dynamic pressure ( times the reference area (It provides a standardized measure of lift generation independent of factors such as airspeed, air density, and wing size. The formula to calculate coefficient of lift () as follows:
Where:
- : Coefficient of lift
- : Lift force generated by the airfoil in N
- : Air density in kg/m3
- : Velocity of the airflow relative to the airfoil in m/s
- : Reference area (such as wing area) in m2