This work examines the experimental and analytical investigation of impact on the carbon/epoxy laminates of various stacking sequence. The impact tests were carried out by using gas gun equipped with high-speed camera. Projectile velocities selected were 80 m/s and 30 m/s where 80 m/s was above ballistic limit velocity and 30 m/s was below ballistic limit velocity. The impact process was recorded with high-speed camera which facilitated to identify different energy absorbing mechanisms. High-speed images were also used to measure pre-impact and post-impact velocities of the projectile accompanied by photo diode and aluminum foil method. Total energy absorbed by the laminates, which is the difference between pre-impact and post-impact kinetic energy of the projectile, was calculated for the laminates with different stacking sequences. Damage extent in the laminates of different stacking sequences were also assessed by C-Scan of the laminates. Then effect of stacking sequences on damage extent and energy absorbing capacity was established. An analytical model was proposed to predict the residual velocity of the projectile at above ballistic limit velocity, which was based on the total energy absorbed by different energy absorption mechanisms. The analytical model was validated with experimental results for different stacking sequences. Additionally, effect of fiber orientation on damage shape at below ballistic limit velocity was also studied. © The Author(s) 2019.