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Acceleration calculator

GCSEA-level Motion

Acceleration is the change in velocity divided by the time taken for the change.

a = Δv / t

This free calculator is for GCSE and A-level physics. Choose the quantity you want to find, enter the other values with their units, and it shows the working in the layout used in exams, with the answer to the number of significant figures you choose. The values shown are an example. Change them to your own.

Quantity to find

aAcceleration to find 3.00 m/s² m/s²

ΔvChange in velocity

tTime taken

Significant figures

Working

Write the equation
a = Δv / t
Substitute the values
a = 12 ÷ 4
Calculate
a = 3 m/s²
Give the answer to 3 significant figures
a = 3.00 m/s²

Worked example

Find a, the acceleration. Given: change in velocity Δv = 12.0 m/s; time taken t = 4.00 s.

Write the equation
a = Δv / t
Substitute the values
a = 12 ÷ 4
Calculate
a = 3 m/s²
Give the answer to 3 significant figures
a = 3.00 m/s²

Symbols and units

Symbol	Quantity	SI unit
a	Acceleration	m/s²
Δv	Change in velocity	m/s
t	Time taken	s

Acceleration: rearranged

To find acceleration: a = Δv / t
To find change in velocity: Δv = a t
To find time taken: t = Δv / a

Exam tip

Δv is final velocity minus initial velocity. A negative answer means the object is slowing down.

Common questions

What is the formula for acceleration?

The equation is a = Δv / t, where a is the acceleration (m/s²); Δv is the change in velocity (m/s); t is the time taken (s).

What units should I use for acceleration?

In SI units: acceleration in m/s², change in velocity in m/s, time taken in s. The calculator also accepts common alternatives such as kilometres, grams or minutes, and converts them for you.

How do I rearrange a = Δv / t?

Rearranging gives these forms: to find acceleration: a = Δv / t. to find change in velocity: Δv = a t. to find time taken: t = Δv / a.

Practise acceleration questions

Include unit conversions (km, g, minutes…)

Press the button for a question with random numbers. Work it out on paper first, then type your answer.

More motion equations: Speed, distance and time, Final velocity, Velocity squared, Displacement under constant acceleration, Displacement from average velocity, Momentum, Force and change in momentum, Centripetal force. See the full list on the physics equation calculator page.