Acceleration Calculator
Calculate acceleration from change in velocity over time, a = (v − u) / t, or from force and mass, a = F / m. Get results in m/s².
Acceleration (a = (v − u) / t)
5 m/s²
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity, in m/s². A negative result means deceleration.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate acceleration?
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity over time: a = (v − u) / t, where v is final velocity, u is initial velocity, and t is the time taken. The result is in metres per second squared (m/s²).
What is the formula for acceleration?
The two common formulas are a = (v − u) / t for kinematics and a = F / m from Newton's second law. This calculator supports both.
How do I find acceleration from force and mass?
Divide the net force by the mass: a = F / m. For example, a 20 N force on a 4 kg object produces 20 / 4 = 5 m/s².
Can acceleration be negative?
Yes. A negative acceleration (deceleration) means the object is slowing down or accelerating in the opposite direction to the one you defined as positive. It happens whenever the final velocity is less than the initial velocity.
What is the unit of acceleration?
The SI unit of acceleration is metres per second squared (m/s²), meaning the velocity changes by that many metres per second every second.