Velocity-Time Graphs

Velocity–time graph axes

Velocity on y‑axis, time on x‑axis

Gradient meaning

Acceleration

Steeper gradient

Greater acceleration

Horizontal line

Constant velocity

Upward sloping line

Positive acceleration

Downward sloping line

Negative acceleration (deceleration)

Line below x‑axis

Motion in opposite direction

Area under graph

Distance travelled

Distance calculation

Area under velocity–time graph

Uniform acceleration

Straight sloping line

Non‑uniform acceleration

Curved line

Zero velocity

Line touches x‑axis

Constant acceleration

Straight line with constant gradient

Changing acceleration

Curved gradient

Distance from irregular shapes

Split area into rectangles, triangles, trapeziums

Return to start

Velocity crosses zero and becomes negative

Key idea

Gradient gives acceleration; area under graph gives distance