Vertical Acceleration Calculator

Ever wondered how fast something moves upward or downward when it accelerates at an angle? Our Vertical Acceleration Calculator makes it super easy. Whether you’re studying physics, flying a rocket, or just curious, this tool helps you find the vertical acceleration (Ay) in seconds.

We built this calculator so you can calculate vertical acceleration quickly, with full steps and clear solutions.

What is Vertical Acceleration?

Vertical acceleration is the upward or downward part of an object’s total acceleration. Imagine throwing a ball at an angle. The ball’s motion has two parts — horizontal and vertical. The vertical acceleration tells us how quickly it speeds up or slows down in the vertical direction.

In physics, this is a key idea in two-dimensional motion or projectile motion.

Vertical Acceleration Formula

The formula used to calculate vertical acceleration is:

Ay = At × SIN(a)

Where:

Ay = Vertical acceleration (m/s²)

At = Total acceleration (m/s²)

a = Angle of acceleration vector (degrees)

This formula comes from OpenStax College Physics, Chapter 3: Two-Dimensional Kinematics.

Example: How to Calculate Vertical Acceleration

Let’s go through an example step by step.

1. Suppose the total acceleration (At) is 100 m/s².
2. The angle (a) of acceleration is 20 degrees.
3. Use the formula: Ay = At × SIN(a)
4. Ay = 100 × SIN(20°)
5. SIN(20°) = 0.3420
6. So, Ay = 100 × 0.3420 = 34.202 m/s²

That means the vertical acceleration is 34.202 m/s².

Simple, right?

How to Use the Vertical Acceleration Calculator

Using our calculator is quick and easy:

1. Enter your total acceleration value.
2. Choose the unit (m/s², cm/s², ft/s², or g).
3. Enter the angle of acceleration.
4. Select if it’s in degrees or radians.
5. Click Calculate.

You’ll instantly see:

• Converted units
• Sine of the angle
• Step-by-step formula
• Final vertical acceleration result

It’s that simple — no math headaches.

Why Use This Calculator?

You don’t need to memorize physics formulas or pull out your calculator. Our tool does it all for you. It even explains each calculation step, making it great for students, teachers, and engineers alike.

It’s accurate, simple, and designed to help you learn while you calculate.

Real-Life Example

Think about a drone flying upward at an angle. The drone’s total acceleration isn’t straight up. Part of it is vertical, part is horizontal. The vertical part (Ay) determines how fast it climbs. This calculator gives you that number in a flash.

Final Verdict

The Vertical Acceleration Calculator is your go-to physics helper. It gives you instant results, shows all steps, and helps you truly understand how motion works in two dimensions.

It’s fast, free, and 100% accurate. Try it once, and you’ll see why it’s one of the easiest physics tools online.

FAQs

What units are used for vertical acceleration?

The standard unit is m/s² (meters per second squared).

Can I enter angles in radians?

Yes. You can choose between degrees and radians.

What if I use feet or g-force for acceleration?

The calculator automatically converts all units to m/s².

Is this calculator useful for students?

Absolutely. It’s perfect for physics students learning about vectors and motion.

Is it based on a physics textbook?

Yes. The formula and method come from OpenStax College Physics, Chapter 3.