Acceleration Calculator
Calculate acceleration, g-force, and distance using a = (v₂−v₁)/t.
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Quick Tip
Enter the initial velocity (v₁) in m/s — use 0 for a standing start.
About This Tool
Why use Acceleration Calculator?
Acceleration is the rate at which velocity changes: a = (v₂ − v₁) ÷ t, measured in metres per second squared. Enter the initial and final velocities and the time taken, and the calculator returns the acceleration, the equivalent g-force, the distance covered and the average velocity.
A car going from 0 to 27.8 m/s (100 km/h) in 6 seconds accelerates at 4.63 m/s², about 0.47 g. The distance comes from d = v₁t + ½at², so that car covers roughly 83 metres while accelerating. Earth's gravity is 9.80665 m/s², which is the figure used for the g-force conversion.
Key Benefits
G-force conversion
Dividing by 9.80665 m/s² turns an abstract figure into something you can feel, which is how vehicle and ride accelerations are usually quoted.
Distance from the kinematic equation
d = v₁t + ½at² is applied automatically, so you get the displacement as well as the rate.
Handles deceleration
A final velocity lower than the initial one gives a negative result, which is braking.
How to use Acceleration Calculator
- 1
Enter the initial velocity (v₁) in m/s — use 0 for a standing start.
- 2
Enter the final velocity (v₂) and the time taken.
- 3
Read the acceleration in m/s² and its g-force equivalent.
- 4
Check the distance travelled if the question asks how far the object moved while speeding up.
Best use cases
Work out a vehicle's 0–100 km/h acceleration in m/s² and g.
Solve kinematics problems in physics homework.
Estimate braking deceleration from a speed and a stopping time.
Find the acceleration term needed for F = ma.
Acceleration Calculator FAQs
What is the acceleration formula?
a = (v₂ − v₁) ÷ t. Going from 10 m/s to 30 m/s in 4 seconds gives (30 − 10) ÷ 4 = 5 m/s².
What is 1 g in m/s²?
9.80665 m/s², the standard acceleration due to gravity at Earth's surface. An acceleration of 19.6 m/s² is 2 g.
What does negative acceleration mean?
The object is slowing down relative to the direction of travel, which is deceleration. It can also mean acceleration in the opposite direction.
How far does an object travel while accelerating?
d = v₁t + ½at². From rest at 5 m/s² for 4 seconds: 0 + ½ × 5 × 16 = 40 metres.
Related Physics Tools
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