G-Force Calculator
Calculate g-force from acceleration (g = a/9.80665) or centripetal motion (a = v²/r) with unit conversions.
What Is G-Force?
G-force expresses acceleration as a multiple of Earth's standard gravity (g₀ = 9.80665 m/s²). One g is the acceleration you feel standing still. Fighter jets, roller coasters, and centrifuges are described in g-forces.
G-Force Formulas
g = a / g₀
Centripetal acceleration: a = v² / r
Example: 19.6133 m/s² acceleration equals 2 g. A car turning at 20 m/s on a 10 m radius experiences a = 400/10 = 40 m/s², or about 4.08 g.
Related Tools
Try the Centripetal Acceleration Calculator and Acceleration Converter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is standard gravity?
Standard gravity g₀ = 9.80665 m/s² is the average gravitational acceleration at Earth's surface. G-force divides any acceleration by this value.
How do I calculate g-force from speed and radius?
First find centripetal acceleration a = v²/r, then g = a/9.80665. Select "From Centripetal Motion" in this calculator.
Can g-force be negative?
Direction matters in physics. This calculator reports magnitude. Negative g typically means acceleration opposite to the reference direction (e.g., free fall feels like −1 g).
What g-forces can humans tolerate?
Brief exposure to 5–9 g is possible with training and harnesses. Sustained 4+ g causes vision loss (greyout). Everyday driving rarely exceeds 0.5 g.
Is g-force the same as gravitational force?
No. G-force is a unitless ratio comparing acceleration to gravity. It describes how many times Earth's gravity an object effectively experiences.