Stock Mass Calculations

[Sargent890]

I have recently got into the more mathematical side of KSP and was wondering if there was an easy way to calculate a vehicle's total mass and dry mass in the VAB/SPH. For previous missions, I have catalogued every part as I added it with information regarding name, mass, and dry mass (if applicable). However, this is a slow and tedious process, so I was wondering if there was any way to get the same results without adding any mods. Is this possible or will I need to install something like Kerbal Engineer?

Edited January 13, 2014 by Sargent890

[minerman30]

Launch the craft, go into map view and click the "i" tab.

[Epthelyn]

Get Kerbal Engineer.

The only way to view the mass of vehicle in stock is, afaik, what minerman30 said

[Mystique]

Use mods. VOID (haven't tested that one), Kerbal Engineering Redux (may have problems calculating thing if some mod parts are used, but can recalculate TWR for various bodies) or MechJeb (no problems with mods so far, but no option for different bodies TWR). Or, if you don't look for easy ways and play without time compression, good old stock pencil and paper may be used for calculations

[Dave Kerbin]

Launch the craft, go into map view and click the "i" tab.

As someone who plays stock but does extensive pen and paper planning as you've asked, this is exactly what I do. Even if I've calculated the mass on paper using the launchpad weigh in is a good way to catch if I've missed a part or assembled something incorrectly.

Also if you go the paper route be aware that a few parts in KSP are marked as 'insignificant', which means the physics engine ignores their mass and drag values. For example you can add as many fuel lines, struts and cubic struts to a ship and it won't change the mass shown on the i tab or the performance you get in game.

[sdj64]

If you want to calculate dry mass subtract the weight of the fuel from the total. Wiki says fuel and oxidizer both weigh .005 per unit.

[Sargent890]

Launch the craft, go into map view and click the "i" tab.

As someone who plays stock but does extensive pen and paper planning as you've asked, this is exactly what I do. Even if I've calculated the mass on paper using the launchpad weigh in is a good way to catch if I've missed a part or assembled something incorrectly.

Also if you go the paper route be aware that a few parts in KSP are marked as 'insignificant', which means the physics engine ignores their mass and drag values. For example you can add as many fuel lines, struts and cubic struts to a ship and it won't change the mass shown on the i tab or the performance you get in game.

If you want to calculate dry mass subtract the weight of the fuel from the total. Wiki says fuel and oxidizer both weigh .005 per unit.

Thanks for the help, these will be very useful in future calculations.