basic

Car Braking Distance from Speed and Deceleration Calculator

d = v²/(2a) — stopping distance from initial speed.

Calculates braking distance d = v²/(2a), total stopping distance (braking + reaction distance = v × 0.75 s), where a ≈ 6–8 m/s² for a typical car.

Published Last reviewed 1 min read

Inputs

m/s
m/s²
s

Results

Enter values and click Calculate to see results.
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How to use this calculator

  1. Fill in the inputs above using the units you already have.
  2. Values update automatically as you type — no submit button needed.
  3. Hover any result row for the underlying formula and intermediate values.

Formula

d_brake = v²/(2a); d_total = v·t_react + v²/(2a)

In depth

Calculates braking distance d = v²/(2a), total stopping distance (braking + reaction distance = v × 0.75 s), where a ≈ 6–8 m/s² for a typical car.