Acceleration Calculator
This calculator solves the linear acceleration equation, a = (v - u) / t, for any one of the four variables when you know the other three. Acceleration describes how quickly an object's velocity is changing and is one of the core quantities in Newtonian mechanics. You select the variable you want to find, enter the remaining values, and the calculator applies the appropriate rearrangement. When solving for acceleration, you enter the initial velocity u, the final velocity v, and the time t, and the result is in metres per second squared. A positive value means the object is speeding up; a negative value means it is slowing down. When solving for initial velocity, you provide the final velocity, acceleration, and time. When solving for final velocity, you provide the initial velocity, acceleration, and time. When solving for time, you provide both velocities and the acceleration. In each mode the calculator also shows the change in velocity and the distance covered during the interval, using the kinematic relationship d = ut + half a t squared. This tool is useful for physics students, engineers analysing vehicle performance, and coaches examining sprint mechanics. The formula assumes constant (uniform) acceleration throughout the time interval; if acceleration varies, the result is an average only.
How it works
The four rearrangements of the acceleration equation are: a = (v - u) / t, v = u + at, u = v - at, and t = (v - u) / a. Select what you want to find, enter the remaining values, and the calculator applies the correct formula. Distance during the interval uses the kinematic equation d = ut + ½at², which assumes constant acceleration. Change in velocity is simply v minus u.
Worked example
A car starts from rest (u = 0 m/s) and reaches 30 m/s in 10 seconds. Acceleration = (30 - 0) / 10 = 3.00 m/s². The change in velocity is 30 m/s and the distance covered during those 10 seconds is 0 × 10 + 0.5 × 3 × 100 = 150.00 m. These match the defaults pre-filled above.
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