This acceleration calculator converts velocity and time units, then reports average acceleration, velocity change, average velocity, and constant-acceleration displacement.
Physics
Acceleration Calculator
Calculate average acceleration and constant-acceleration displacement from velocity and time.
Calculator
About this calculator
Formula notes
a = (v − u) / t; average velocity = (u + v) / 2; under constant acceleration, displacement = average velocity × t.
Worked examples
- Example: increasing from 0 to 100 km/h in 10 s gives Δv ≈ 27.78 m/s, a ≈ 2.78 m/s², and displacement ≈ 138.89 m.
- Changing from 36 km/h to 90 km/h in 6 seconds means a 15 m/s velocity increase and average acceleration of 2.5 m/s2.
How to use it
- Enter initial and final velocity.
- Choose each velocity unit and enter elapsed time.
- Read acceleration and use displacement only under the constant-acceleration assumption.
Frequently asked questions
Can acceleration be negative?
Yes. A negative result means velocity decreased in the positive direction selected by your signed inputs.
Is the displacement always the actual travel distance?
No. It is signed displacement under constant one-dimensional acceleration and can differ from path length.
Limits and interpretation
- The result is average one-dimensional acceleration over the stated interval; it does not show instantaneous variation, direction changes in multiple dimensions, or jerk.
- The displacement output assumes constant acceleration, so it is not valid when acceleration varies substantially or the velocity inputs refer to incompatible directions.