SUVAT Calculator
Solve SUVAT equations of motion for constant acceleration. Enter any 3 known values to find the remaining 2 unknowns. Free online physics calculator with charts and breakdowns.
About This Calculator
The SUVAT Calculator solves the five equations of motion for objects moving with constant acceleration. Whether you are a GCSE or A-level physics student, an engineering undergraduate, or a professional solving kinematics problems, this tool computes any two unknowns from three known values of displacement (s), initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), acceleration (a), and time (t).
The five SUVAT equations form the foundation of classical kinematics: v = u + at, s = ut + ½at², v² = u² + 2as, s = ½(u + v)t, and s = vt − ½at². Each equation relates four of the five variables. Our solver uses an iterative approach that handles all ten possible combinations of three known values, automatically selecting the correct equations to solve for the missing parameters.
The SUVAT acronym stands for the five variables: displacement (s), initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), acceleration (a), and time (t). These equations only apply when acceleration is constant — for example, objects in free fall near Earth (a ≈ 9.81 m/s²), vehicles braking with constant deceleration, or objects sliding on inclines with uniform friction.
Results display all five values in SI units (m, m/s, m/s², s) with an interactive bar and pie chart showing the relationships between the variables. The breakdown table provides a clean summary for easy reference in homework, exam preparation, or engineering analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does SUVAT stand for?
SUVAT is an acronym for the five kinematic variables that describe motion with constant acceleration: displacement (s), initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), acceleration (a), and time (t). These five variables form the basis of classical mechanics equations used to analyze linear motion.
What are the 5 SUVAT equations?
The five SUVAT equations are: 1) v = u + at, 2) s = ut + ½at², 3) v² = u² + 2as, 4) s = ½(u + v)t, 5) s = vt − ½at². Each equation relates four of the five variables, allowing you to solve for any unknown when three values are known.
How do I use the SUVAT calculator?
Enter any three known values from displacement (s), initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), acceleration (a), and time (t). The calculator automatically solves the SUVAT equations to compute the remaining two unknowns. Results display with interactive charts and a full variable breakdown.
Is the SUVAT calculator free?
Yes, this SUVAT equations calculator is completely free to use with no registration required. You can share your calculation via URL — the input values are saved in the link for easy sharing with teachers, classmates, or colleagues.
What units does the SUVAT calculator use?
The calculator uses SI units: displacement in meters (m), velocity in meters per second (m/s), acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s²), and time in seconds (s). You can convert between units using standard conversion factors before entering values.
What happens if I enter an impossible combination of values?
If you enter values that do not satisfy the SUVAT equations (e.g., a negative value under a square root), the calculator will not produce a valid result. The inputs must represent a physically possible scenario with constant acceleration.
Can SUVAT equations be used for vertical motion under gravity?
Yes, SUVAT equations apply to any object moving with constant acceleration, including vertical motion under gravity. Use a = 9.81 m/s² (or 9.80665 m/s² for standard gravity) for objects falling near Earth surface, with upward motion treated as positive displacement.
How is displacement different from distance in SUVAT?
Displacement (s) is a vector quantity that measures how far an object is from its starting position in a straight line, including direction. Distance is a scalar that measures the total path length traveled. In SUVAT equations, s always refers to displacement, not total distance traveled.