Kinematics Calculator
Solve 1D & 2D motion problems with SUVAT, Projectile & Circular motion
Enter any 3 values and leave the others blank. The missing values will be calculated.
Need at least 3 known values to solve.
What is Kinematics Calculator?
A kinematics calculator solves the equations of motion for objects under constant acceleration — the classic SUVAT equations used throughout high school and university physics. SUVAT stands for the five variables: displacement (s), initial velocity (u), final velocity (v), acceleration (a), and time (t). Provide any three of these five values and the calculator derives the remaining two, showing each algebraic step so you can follow the working.
Beyond straight-line SUVAT problems, the tool also handles projectile motion: a ball thrown at an angle, a cannonball launched from a cliff, or any object moving under gravity in two dimensions. Enter the launch speed, angle, and initial height to calculate the maximum range, peak height, time of flight, and the velocity components at any point along the trajectory.
This calculator is designed for students revising for A-level or AP Physics exams, as well as engineers and hobbyists who need quick sanity checks on motion problems. All calculations use SI units (metres, seconds, metres per second) and the standard gravitational acceleration of 9.81 m/s squared. Worked solutions are displayed alongside numerical answers so you can verify your own method or learn from the steps shown.
How to Use Kinematics Calculator
- Choose SUVAT or projectile mode
Select the straight-line SUVAT solver for 1D problems or the projectile mode for 2D launch and landing calculations.
- Enter your known values
Fill in at least three of the five SUVAT variables (or the launch parameters for projectile mode), leaving unknowns blank.
- Calculate the unknowns
Click Calculate to instantly derive the remaining variables using the appropriate SUVAT equations.
- Review the worked solution
Expand the step-by-step working to see which equations were used, how values were substituted, and how the answer was reached.
Key Benefits
Works with any combination of three known variables — all ten possible input combinations are handled automatically.
Calculate range, peak height, and time of flight for any launch angle and initial speed.
Full algebraic workings are shown for every solution, helping students understand the method not just the answer.
Uses g = 9.81 m/s squared and standard SI units throughout, consistent with physics curriculum requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
The five equations are: v = u + at; s = ut + 0.5at squared; v squared = u squared + 2as; s = 0.5(u + v)t; and s = vt - 0.5at squared. Any three known variables allow you to solve for the other two.
The calculator uses SI units (m, s, m/s, m/s squared). Convert your values to SI before entering them. For example, divide km/h by 3.6 to get m/s.
No. The projectile solver assumes a vacuum (no air resistance) and constant gravitational acceleration. For real-world ballistics with drag, a more complex numerical model is required.
If the three values you enter are physically inconsistent (for example, a negative discriminant in the quadratic form), the calculator will indicate that no real solution exists and suggest checking your input values.