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StanceMath › Lowering calculator

Lowering Calculator

Enter how much you plan to lower the car, plus optional stock clearance, wheel gap and a driveway or speed-bump height, to estimate new ground clearance and a static scrape warning.

Your drop

Overhang is the horizontal distance from the front contact patch to the bumper or splitter lip. Ramp length is how far the obstacle rises to its full height. Leave optional fields blank if you do not have a measurement.

Estimate

Drop–
Estimated new ground clearance–
Estimated new wheel gap–
Approach angle (est.)–
Obstacle ramp angle–
Camber change (note)–
Scrape warning–

Static geometry only. This does not model suspension travel, a loaded trunk, speed, a steeper hidden lip, or an air dam that sits lower than the subframe. Check local bumper-height and suspension rules, and have an alignment after lowering. Verify with a tape measure and, if needed, a professional installer.

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Planning wheels and tires with the drop?

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How the scrape check works

New clearance is roughly stock ground clearance minus the drop. If that number is at or below the obstacle height, the vehicle is likely to scrape in a straight line. We also compare a simple approach angle, tan⁻¹(clearance ÷ front overhang), with the ramp angle, tan⁻¹(obstacle height ÷ ramp length). If the car’s approach angle is smaller, the bumper or splitter lip meets the ramp first.

Wheel gap is estimated the same way: stock fender-to-wheel gap minus the drop. Offset and tire size still matter — check them with the wheel offset calculator and the tire size calculator.

Camber after a drop

On stock arms, lowering typically adds negative camber. A rough band used here is about 0.3° to 0.7° more negative camber per inch of drop on many MacPherson-strut cars. That is not a measurement of your car. Get a professional alignment, and ask about camber-adjustable parts if the result is outside the tire maker’s range.

How much can I lower my car before it scrapes?

It depends on stock ground clearance, front overhang, bumper or splitter depth, and the driveway or speed-bump shape. Enter those numbers here for a static estimate. If estimated clearance is at or below the obstacle, or the approach angle is steeper than the ramp, expect to scrape. Always check with a tape measure.

Does lowering change camber?

Usually yes, on stock control-arm geometry. Many MacPherson-strut cars pick up roughly 0.3° to 0.7° more negative camber per inch of drop, but the range varies a lot by platform. That is a planning note, not a prediction for your car. Get a professional alignment after lowering.

Will I rub the fenders?

The wheel-gap estimate subtracts your drop from the gap you measure today at the fender lip. If the result is near zero, the tire may sit in the opening and rub over bumps or at full lock. Tire width, wheel offset and fender rolling also matter — use the wheel offset calculator as well.

Do I need an alignment after lowering?

Yes. Even a modest drop can change camber, toe and sometimes caster. An alignment protects tire wear and keeps the car tracking straight. Coilovers and springs both need this; the math of the drop is the same either way.

Are there legal ride-height or bumper-height rules?

Some US states regulate bumper height, suspension lifts or how much a vehicle may be lowered, and inspection rules vary. This tool does not check the law in your area. Confirm local rules before you modify the suspension.

Do springs and coilovers change the numbers differently?

For a given drop, ground clearance and wheel gap change by about the same amount. Coilovers let you set and fine-tune height; springs are a fixed change. Neither number here includes body roll, a loaded trunk, or a snow-packed driveway.

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