Acceleration Converter
Convert acceleration between m/s², ft/s², g-force, gal and standard gravity, with exact conversion factors.
What the Acceleration Converter does
Acceleration is the rate of change of velocity. One g is the acceleration due to Earth's gravity at sea level, 9.80665 m/s², which is why it is used as a reference in aviation and vehicle testing.
Formula
Convert to metre per second squared, then divide by the target unit's factorResult = Value × (from factor ÷ to factor)
Inputs explained
| Input | Unit | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value | number | Yes | — |
| From | one of 5 options | Yes | — |
| To | one of 5 options | Yes | — |
How to use it
- Choose From and To.
- Enter Value.
- Select Calculate.
Worked example
A car pulls 0.9 g in a corner. What is that in m/s²?
- Value
- 0.9
- From
- g
- To
- m/s²
0.9 × 9.80665 = 8.83 m/s².
Reading the result
- One g is 9.80665 m/s². A car braking hard manages roughly 1 g, and a passenger lift accelerates at about a tenth of that.
Assumptions and limitations
- Standard gravity is used throughout. Actual gravity varies by about half a percent between the equator and the poles.
Common mistakes
- Using g as though it were a force. It is an acceleration, and the force it produces depends on the mass being accelerated.
- Confusing the gal with the gallon. A gal is 1 cm/s², a unit used in geophysics.
Frequently asked questions
How many g can a person withstand?
Trained pilots handle 9 g briefly with a g-suit. Sustained exposure above about 5 g causes loss of consciousness.