Kinematic Equations Calculator

This kinematic equations calculator solves problems of motion with constant acceleration using the SUVAT method, the workhorse of secondary and first-year physics. SUVAT takes its name from the five quantities it connects: s for displacement, u for the initial velocity, v for the final velocity, a for the acceleration and t for the time. Given any three of these, the equations of motion let you work out the other two, and that is exactly what this tool does. You enter the three values you know and leave the two you want to find blank, and the calculator applies the standard equations, v equals u plus a t, s equals u t plus half a t squared, v squared equals u squared plus two a s, and s equals half the sum of u and v times t, to fill in the rest. It is perfect for the classic problems of a car braking to a stop, a ball thrown upward, or an object accelerating from rest, and it saves you choosing which equation to use because it works that out for you. The one condition is that the acceleration must be constant over the motion, which covers free fall near the Earth and steady acceleration or braking, but not situations where the acceleration itself changes. Enter any three values to see the full solution straight away.

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solution (enter any three values, leave two blank)
u0
v10
a2
t5
s25

Use consistent SI units (m/s, m/s², s, m). Assumes constant acceleration. Estimate only.

How it works

The calculator reads the three values you supply, then repeatedly applies the five equations of motion, filling in any quantity it can compute until all five are known. Because each equation links a different group of the five variables, it can solve from any valid combination of three.

Worked example

A car starting from rest, so u is 0, with an acceleration a of 2 metres per second squared for a time t of 5 seconds reaches a final velocity v of u plus a t, which is 10 metres per second, and travels a displacement s of 25 metres.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the SUVAT equations?

SUVAT is the set of equations for motion with constant acceleration, linking displacement s, initial velocity u, final velocity v, acceleration a and time t. The five letters give the method its name.

How many values do I need?

You need any three of the five. With three known values the calculator can find the remaining two using the standard equations of motion.

Does this assume constant acceleration?

Yes. The SUVAT equations only apply when acceleration is constant, such as free fall near the Earth or steady braking. They do not handle changing acceleration.