What is the formula for kinetic energy?

The kinetic energy formula is KE = 1/2mv², where m is mass and v is velocity.

How do you calculate kinetic energy?

Multiply the mass by the square of the velocity, then divide by 2. In SI units, the result is in joules.

What are the SI units for kinetic energy?

The SI unit of kinetic energy is the joule (J). Mass is usually in kilograms and velocity in meters per second.

Can this KE calculator solve for mass or velocity?

Yes. This calculator can solve for kinetic energy, mass, or velocity depending on which two values you enter.

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Kinetic Energy Calculator

Use this kinetic energy calculator to calculate kinetic energy (KE), mass, or velocity with the formula KE = 1/2mv². This KE calculator works with joules, kilograms, meters per second, mph, ft/s, and more.

KE Calculator: Calculate Kinetic Energy, Mass, or Velocity

Enter any two known values to solve for the third. This calculator for kinetic energy uses the standard physics equation for translational kinetic energy.

Calculator Inputs

Solve for

Kinetic Energy (KE)

Energy unit

Mass (m)

Mass unit

Velocity (v)

Velocity unit

Use a dot “.” as the decimal separator.

Results

KE = 1/2mv²

Kinetic Energy

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Mass

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Velocity

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SI check

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What this means

Enter values and click Calculate to see the computed kinetic energy, mass, or velocity.

Kinetic Energy Formula

The formula for translational kinetic energy is:

KE = 1/2mv²

KE = kinetic energy
m = mass
v = velocity

If you searched for a 1/2mv^2 calculator, this is the exact equation being used.

Common Kinetic Energy Examples

Object	Mass	Velocity	Approx. KE
Runner	70 kg	5 m/s	875 J
Baseball	0.145 kg	40 m/s	116 J
Car	1500 kg	20 m/s	300,000 J
Bullet	0.008 kg	380 m/s	577.6 J

How to Calculate Kinetic Energy

Convert mass to kilograms if needed.
Convert velocity to meters per second if needed.
Square the velocity.
Multiply mass by velocity squared.
Multiply the result by 1/2.

In other words, to calculate kinetic energy, you use mass and speed only. Direction does not affect kinetic energy because KE is a scalar quantity.

About “Kinetic Force Calculator” Searches

Some users search for a kinetic force calculator when they actually need a kinetic energy calculator, momentum calculator, or impact force calculator. This page calculates kinetic energy. Force requires a different model and usually depends on deceleration distance or time.

FAQ

What is a KE calculator?

A KE calculator is a kinetic energy calculator that uses the formula KE = 1/2mv².

Can I calculate mass from kinetic energy and velocity?

Yes. Rearranging the equation gives m = 2KE / v².

Can I calculate velocity from kinetic energy and mass?

Yes. Rearranging the equation gives v = √(2KE / m).

What unit is kinetic energy measured in?

The SI unit is the joule (J).

References

Giancoli, Douglas C. Physics: Principles with Applications. Pearson.
OpenStax. College Physics. Kinetic energy and work-energy topics.
Halliday, Resnick, Walker. Fundamentals of Physics.

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