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Acceleration Calculator

Calculate acceleration from initial/final velocity and time. Enter values using your local number format (commas or periods). Get instant results with units and the formula. 100% free.

Number format

Choose how numeric results are displayed. The selected decimal separator (dot or comma) will also be used when parsing input numbers.

0.0000 m/s²
0.0000 m
0.0000 m/s
0.0000 m/s
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What Is Acceleration?

In physics, acceleration describes the rate of change of velocity over time. It tells us not only how quickly something speeds up or slows down, but also whether its direction changes. Everyday examples include a car starting from a traffic light, an airplane taking off, or an apple falling from a tree.

Basic Acceleration Formulas

The most common formulas to calculate acceleration are:

  • a = (vf - vi) / t — when initial velocity, final velocity, and time are known.
  • a = 2 × (s - vi × t) / t² — when displacement, initial velocity, and time are known.
  • vf² = vi² + 2as — when displacement is known but time is not.

Here a is acceleration, vi is initial velocity, vf is final velocity, t is time, and s is displacement.

Units of Acceleration

In the International System of Units (SI), the standard unit for acceleration is meters per second squared (m/s²). Depending on the context, you may also see conversions into kilometers per hour per second (km/h·s) or other practical units.

Practical Examples

Here are a few everyday scenarios to illustrate acceleration values:

Scenario Initial Velocity Final Velocity Time Acceleration
Car accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h 0 km/h 100 km/h 10 s ≈ 2.78 m/s²
Free fall (ignoring air resistance) 0 m/s 9.8 m/s 1 s 9.8 m/s²
Airplane takeoff 0 km/h 250 km/h 30 s ≈ 2.31 m/s²

How to Use the Acceleration Calculator

Our Acceleration Calculator is designed for ease of use:

  1. Choose which values you already know (such as velocity, time, or displacement).
  2. Enter the numbers. You can use decimals and different units (like m/s or km/h).
  3. Click calculate. The tool instantly gives you the result.

The calculator also supports local number formats, making it convenient for users worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can acceleration be negative?

Yes. Negative acceleration (sometimes called deceleration) means the object is slowing down, such as a car braking.

2. What is the acceleration in uniform motion?

For constant velocity motion, acceleration is zero because the speed does not change.

3. What is the relationship between acceleration and gravity?

Near the Earth's surface, objects in free fall experience an acceleration of about 9.8 m/s², called gravitational acceleration (g). On other planets, g has different values.

4. Can I use this calculator for schoolwork?

Of course. It's a quick way to solve homework problems, check practice questions, and better understand physics concepts.

Conclusion

Acceleration is a core idea in kinematics. From simple experiments to engineering design, it helps explain how objects move. With this free Acceleration Calculator, you can get accurate results instantly, whether for learning, research, or just curiosity.