Centripetal Acceleration Calculator
🪐 Gravity & circular motion. Use the Centripetal acceleration formula to find acceleration (to the centre), speed, radius: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
Pick the ○ next to the value you want to find, fill in the others, and it solves as you type.
What each letter means
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Acceleration (to the centre) | m/s² |
| Speed | m/s |
| Radius | m |
Worked example
Find the acceleration (to the centre) when Speed = 20 m/s, Radius = 50 m.
Using a = v²/r: Acceleration (to the centre) = 8 m/s².
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Centripetal acceleration?
a = v²/r.
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Acceleration (to the centre) in m/s², Speed in m/s, Radius in m.
How do you calculate acceleration (to the centre)?
Put the values into a = v²/r. For example, with Speed = 20 m/s, Radius = 50 m, acceleration (to the centre) = 8 m/s².
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (acceleration (to the centre), speed, radius) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
