Centrifugal Force Calculator
Calculate the outward centrifugal force on a rotating mass from its mass, radius, and speed.
How it works
- 1Enter the mass of the rotating object, the radius of rotation, and the rotational speed in rpm.
- 2The calculator converts inputs to SI units and applies F = m·ω²·r, where ω = 2π·rpm/60.
- 3The resulting force is shown in your chosen unit system (N or lbf) alongside the raw newton value.
Use cases
- Sizing bearings and shafts in rotating machinery such as pumps, fans, and centrifuges.
- Checking structural loads on spinning components like flywheels, pulleys, and impellers.
- Analysing forces on objects in centrifuge experiments or amusement-ride design.
Frequently asked questions
What is the centrifugal force formula?
F = m·ω²·r, where m is mass (kg), ω is angular velocity (rad/s), and r is the radius (m). Since ω = 2π·n/60 (n in rpm), F = m·(2π·n/60)²·r. Equivalently F = m·v²/r using tangential speed v.
Why does force increase so fast with speed?
Centrifugal force is proportional to ω², so it rises with the square of rotational speed. Doubling the rpm quadruples the force; tripling it multiplies the force by nine.
What force acts on a 2 kg mass at 0.5 m radius spinning at 300 rpm?
ω = 2π × 300/60 ≈ 31.42 rad/s. F = 2 × 31.42² × 0.5 ≈ 987 N. The same setup at 600 rpm would produce about 3948 N — four times as much.
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