By Zencalcy Editorial TeamLast reviewed About us
Average acceleration is the change in velocity divided by the time it takes. Because velocity is a vector, a change in direction also counts as acceleration, and the magnitude is the size of that change regardless of sign.
Acceleration from a change in velocity over time.
a = (v − u) / t
A negative result means the object is slowing in the chosen positive direction. The magnitude is the absolute value.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| u | Initial velocity, in metres per second. |
| v | Final velocity, in metres per second. |
| t | Time interval, in seconds. |
| a | Average acceleration, in metres per second squared. |
The acceleration is 5 m/s², which is about 0.51 g. The distance covered during the interval is 10 m.
Continue with the Arrow Speed Calculator, Ballistic Coefficient Calculator, or the Car Jump Distance Calculator — or browse more kinematics tools and all physics calculators.
Yes. It means the velocity is becoming more negative, or the object is slowing if it was moving in the positive direction.
Results are computed from the standard equations of classical mechanics. Unit conversions use the SI definitions published by NIST. Air resistance is ignored unless the calculator names a drag model.
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Last reviewed: September 2026. See how we build and check every tool on the about page.
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Content updated: September 2026