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- Finds acceleration from the start speed, end speed and time.
- Or from the distance travelled, start speed and time.
- Works with km/h, mph, m/s and ft/s.
- Shows the result in m/s², ft/s² and g-force, with the distance covered.
How to use the acceleration calculator
Choose what you know
Speeds and time, or distance and time.
Enter the values
For example 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds.
Pick the units
For speed and distance.
Read the result
With the steps and conversions.
The acceleration formula
Acceleration is how quickly velocity changes. Speeding up gives a positive acceleration, and slowing down gives a negative one, often called deceleration. The calculator assumes the acceleration is constant.
Acceleration formulas
a = (v − u) ÷ t
a = 2 × (s − u × t) ÷ t²
s = (u + v) ÷ 2 × t
u is the start speed, v the end speed, t the time and s the distance.
Example 1: a car going 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds
100 km/h = 27.78 m/s.
- Acceleration 3.472 m/s² (0.354 g)
- Distance covered 111.11 m
Example 2: from distance
100 m from rest in 10 seconds.
- Acceleration 2 m/s²
- Final speed 20 m/s (72 km/h)
Example 3: braking
60 mph to 0 in 4 seconds.
- Acceleration −6.7056 m/s² (−0.684 g)
- Stopping distance 53.64 m (176 ft)
Where acceleration is used
Physics class
Solve motion problems with constant acceleration.
Cars
Compare 0 to 60 or 0 to 100 times.
Braking
Estimate stopping distance and deceleration.
Sports science
Measure sprint starts.
Find the force behind the acceleration with the force calculator, or work out steady travel with the speed distance time calculator.
Acceleration calculator FAQ
What is the formula for acceleration?
a = (v − u) ÷ t: the change in velocity divided by the time taken.
What unit is acceleration measured in?
Meters per second squared (m/s²).
What is 0 to 100 km/h in 8 seconds in m/s²?
About 3.47 m/s², or 0.354 g.
What is negative acceleration?
Slowing down. It is also called deceleration.
What is 1 g?
Standard gravity, 9.80665 m/s².
How do I find acceleration from distance?
If starting from rest, a = 2s ÷ t². 100 m in 10 s gives 2 m/s².