Banking angle is the angle at which a road, track, or aircraft bank toward the center of a circular path. When a surface is banked at the correct angle, the normal force provides both the support against gravity and the centripetal force needed for circular motion without relying on friction alone.

This is why race tracks, especially banked curves at high speeds, and aircraft banking during turns create safety and efficiency. The optimal banking angle depends on the velocity and radius of the curve. Too steep and slow vehicles fall; too shallow and high-speed vehicles skid outward.