Practical tools for measured work
Motion calculator
Calculate displacement, path length, velocity, acceleration and kinetic energy.
Calculate the layout, check the diagram, then print the result for the shop or jobsite.
How it works
For constant acceleration: v = u + at and displacement = ut + at²/2. If velocity reverses, path length adds the distances before and after the turning point. With u = 10 m/s, a = −2 m/s² and t = 10 s, displacement is zero but path length is 50 m.
Average acceleration is (final velocity − initial velocity) / time. Kinetic energy is mass × speed² / 2. A 2 kg object moving at 3 m/s has 9 J of kinetic energy.
Current-input example
The result above uses these exact values. This snapshot is included when the page is printed so the output can be checked against the original measurements.
- Motion calculation
- Constant acceleration
- Initial velocity
- 10 m/s
- Constant acceleration
- -2 m/s²
- Elapsed time
- 10 s
Primary result: Final velocity: -10 m/s.
Before using the result
- Check the selected mode, units and input values before using the result.
- Read the assumptions and rounding rules; compare the worked example with your intended calculation.
- A numerical result does not supply missing context or change the stated limitations.
Limitations
Use consistent SI units. These idealized classical calculations exclude drag, relativity and changes in acceleration. Signed velocity indicates direction; speed and path length are nonnegative. Inputs must be finite and no larger than one trillion in magnitude.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between speed and velocity?
Average speed is total path length divided by elapsed time. Average velocity is signed displacement divided by elapsed time. Returning to the starting point gives zero average velocity even after travelling a nonzero distance.
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