Use the formula: acceleration = change in velocity ÷ change in time
Write it as: a = (v – u) / t
Identify the initial velocity, u
Identify the final velocity, v
Find the time interval, t
Subtract initial velocity from final velocity
Divide the result by the time interval
Use units of m/s² if velocity is in m/s and time is in seconds
For changing velocity over time, use the slope of the velocity-time graph
Calculate acceleration from a graph as: rise ÷ run
If velocity is given as a function of time, take the derivative of velocity with respect to time