Acceleration Calculator
Calculate acceleration from initial velocity, final velocity and time using a = (v - u) / t. Reports the result in metres per second squared.
Last reviewed by the Radiatus Cloud team
Calculate acceleration from the change in velocity over time: a = (v − u) / t.
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Calculate acceleration
Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes over time. For motion in a straight line it equals the final velocity minus the initial velocity, divided by the time taken, giving a result in metres per second squared. A positive acceleration means the object is speeding up, a negative value, sometimes called deceleration, means it is slowing down, and zero means the velocity is constant. This calculator applies that formula directly from the three quantities you enter.
It also expresses the result in g, multiples of the acceleration due to gravity, which is a familiar reference for the forces felt in vehicles, aircraft and amusement rides.
Acceleration in physics
Acceleration is one of the central quantities in mechanics, linking force and mass through Newton's second law. Students use the formula throughout kinematics, and engineers calculate it when designing vehicles, lifts and safety systems. Knowing how quickly velocity changes is essential for predicting motion and the forces involved.
The formula here assumes constant acceleration over the time interval, which gives the average acceleration when the rate varies. One g is taken as 9.80665 metres per second squared, the standard value. All calculation runs locally in your browser.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceleration formula?
Acceleration equals final velocity minus initial velocity, divided by the time taken. The result is in metres per second squared.
What does a negative acceleration mean?
It means the object is slowing down, often called deceleration. The velocity is decreasing over the time interval.
What is acceleration in g?
Expressing acceleration in g compares it to gravity, where one g is about 9.81 metres per second squared, the acceleration of a free-falling object near Earth.
Does this assume constant acceleration?
Yes. The simple formula gives the average acceleration over the interval, which equals the constant value when the rate does not change.
Can I use different units?
Enter velocities in metres per second and time in seconds for a result in metres per second squared. Convert other units first for a correct answer.
Privacy & Security
Everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
How to Use
Enter the initial velocity, final velocity and time taken.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Results are for educational and utility purposes.
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