The amount of downward force on a falling object depends on its weight. The greater the mass, the greater the force will be, and, therefore, the greater the terminal velocity. It is important to understand, that acceleration due to gravity is the same for all objects; it is the drag factor that causes the variations with weight and shape.

A large person will fall faster than a small person due to the greater weight of the large person in relation to the cross-sectional area as compared to the small person.For a very light person, the drag will eventually become equal to the weight of the person and therefore very small animals such as mice when dropped from large height will escape un hurt.