An absolute vector gravimeter and method of use is provided. The absolute vector gravimeter includes one or more single axis accelerometers, each capable of pointing in at least two directions and calculating an estimated gravity component. Further embodiments provide for estimating a bias in the single axis accelerometer, as well as measuring non-ballistic accelerations along multiple axes and calculating estimated gravity components for each. A resultant non-ballistic acceleration vector can be calculated. Examples for reducing the RMS error in the estimated gravity components are also provided.