Turn any 0-60 time into average acceleration, distance covered and g-force — or estimate a 0-60 time from power and weight.
60 mph is the classic benchmark. Change it for a 0-100 or 0-30 time if you prefer.
Used only in Power mode. This is a rough estimate: it assumes average power is about 70% of peak across the run.
Include driver and fuel for a realistic figure — kerb weight alone flatters the result.
average acceleration (m/s²)
How to use this tool
In Time mode, type the car's 0-60 time in seconds. The calculator converts 60 mph to metres per second and works out the average acceleration, distance and g-force.
In Power mode, enter peak horsepower, vehicle weight and drivetrain loss. The estimate assumes average power is about 70% of peak across the run.
Average acceleration is final speed divided by time. Distance is half the acceleration times time squared — the distance the car covers while getting up to speed.
Use the same mode and the same weight basis (with driver and fuel) for every car. A second shaved off 0-60 needs either much more power or much less weight.
Formula & worked example
Worked example: a car does 0-60 mph in 6.0 seconds. 60 mph = 26.82 m/s, so average acceleration = 26.82 ÷ 6.0 = 4.47 m/s², which is 0.46 g. Distance covered = ½ × 4.47 × 6.0² = 80.47 m — roughly eight car lengths — before it even reaches motorway speed.
Limitations — read this before you rely on it
Time mode assumes constant acceleration, which real cars do not have: launch grip, gear changes and falling acceleration at speed all change the curve. Power mode is a rough comparison estimate, not a measured time — it ignores grip limits, gearing, aerodynamics and launch technique entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Under 6 seconds is quick for a family car, under 4 seconds is sports-car territory, and under 3 seconds is supercar or high-performance electric territory. Most ordinary cars sit between 8 and 11 seconds.
Divide the final speed by the time: 60 mph is 26.82 m/s, so a 6-second run averages 26.82 ÷ 6 = 4.47 m/s². Divide by 9.81 to express that as g-force (0.46 g here).
Acceleration is force divided by mass, so a light car with moderate power can out-accelerate a heavy car with more power. That is why the power estimate needs weight — horsepower on its own says little.
It extends the same constant-acceleration assumption to 402.336 m, so it is an approximation. Real quarter-mile times are usually slower than this figure because acceleration fades at higher speeds.
Yes — 60 mph and 96.56 km/h are the same speed, so entering either gives the same acceleration and distance. Use whichever unit your source quotes.