Formula used
Classical momentum: vₜ = βvₜ₋₁ + (1 − d)gₜ θₜ = θₜ₋₁ − ηvₜ
Symbols may follow different framework conventions. Review each selected formula carefully.
How to use
- Enter scalar parameters or comma-separated vectors.
- Select a gradient source and optimiser mode.
- Configure schedules, clipping, and regularisation.
- Run the calculation and review every update.
- Export, print, copy, or save your results.
Worked example data
| Input | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Initial parameter | 1.000000 | Starting model weight |
| Gradient sequence | 0.50, 0.40, 0.25 | Loss derivatives by step |
| Learning rate | 0.010000 | Controls each update size |
| Momentum | 0.900000 | Retains previous update direction |
| Initial velocity | 0.000000 | Starts the momentum buffer |
Momentum optimiser guidance
Why momentum helps
Momentum accumulates gradients moving consistently. It can accelerate progress along shallow directions.
Oscillation control
Repeated opposing gradients reduce stored velocity. This can stabilise movement across narrow valleys.
Overshooting risk
Large learning rates and momentum amplify updates. Reduce either value when divergence appears.
Nesterov behaviour
Nesterov applies a look-ahead correction. Supplied gradients should represent that anticipated position.
Frequently asked questions
What does the momentum coefficient control?
It controls how strongly previous velocity influences new updates.
Why is 0.9 commonly used?
It often balances acceleration and stability across many training tasks.
Can momentum exceed one?
Values near or above one can create unstable growing updates.
What is the velocity buffer?
It stores accumulated gradient direction from earlier optimisation steps.
How does dampening change momentum?
Dampening reduces each new gradient contribution entering the buffer.
When should gradients be clipped?
Clip gradients when occasional large values create unstable updates.
What does decoupled weight decay do?
It shrinks parameters separately from the optimiser gradient calculation.
Why compare several learning rates?
The comparison reveals sensitivity, overshooting, and slow convergence risks.
Does this replace framework training?
No. It provides educational simulation and update verification only.
Can vectors have several parameters?
Yes. Every vector must use matching component dimensions.