Acceleration Calculator

Calculate acceleration, change in velocity, or time. Also compute acceleration from initial and final velocity over time.

Calculate acceleration using initial and final velocity, or solve for Δv, time, or acceleration. Use the simple mode to solve for one missing value from two inputs.

About this Calculator

Calculate acceleration, change in velocity, or time. Also compute acceleration from initial and final velocity over time.

Formula & Calculations

Formula

a = Δv / t, Δv = a × t, t = Δv / a, and Δv = vf − vi

Where:

a=Acceleration — rate of change of velocity
Δv=Change in velocity (final − initial)
t=Time over which the change occurs
vi=Initial velocity
vf=Final velocity

Assumptions

Acceleration is assumed to be constant over the time period.
Motion is in a straight line (one-dimensional).
Provide Δv and t, or vi, vf, and t, to solve for acceleration.

Calculation Examples

Example 1

Inputs:vi = 0 m/s, vf = 27.78 m/s, t = 5 s

Result:Acceleration = 5.556 m/s²

Δv = 27.78 − 0 = 27.78 m/s, then a = 27.78 / 5 = 5.556 m/s².

Example 2

Inputs:Δv = 20 m/s, t = 4 s

Result:Acceleration = 5 m/s²

a = 20 / 4 = 5 m/s².

Example 3

Inputs:vi = 10 m/s, vf = 30 m/s, a = 2 m/s²

Result:Time = 10 s

t = (30 − 10) / 2 = 10 s.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does acceleration relate to gravity?

Standard gravitational acceleration on Earth is approximately 9.807 m/s². This means a freely falling object gains about 9.8 m/s of speed each second.

What is deceleration?

Deceleration is simply negative acceleration. If the final velocity is less than the initial velocity, the acceleration value will be negative.