Cylinder Force Calculator

Calculate the push (extension) and pull (retraction) forces of a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder. Provide the dimensions and pressure to get started.

How Cylinder Force is Calculated

Push Force (Extending):

Force_push = Pressure × (π × (Bore Diameter / 2)²)

Pull Force (Retracting):

Force_pull = Pressure × (π × (Bore Diameter / 2)² - π × (Rod Diameter / 2)²)

Where π (Pi) is approximately 3.14159.

Ensure all units are consistent before calculation. Our calculator handles conversions for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is cylinder bore diameter?

The cylinder bore diameter is the inner diameter of the cylinder housing. It’s a key factor in determining the area upon which pressure acts to create force.

Why is piston rod diameter important for pull force?

The piston rod reduces the effective area on the rod side of the piston. Therefore, for the retracting (pull) stroke, the force generated is lower than the extending (push) stroke for the same pressure because the rod’s area must be subtracted from the bore’s area.

What are common units for pressure in cylinder calculations?

Common pressure units include psi (pounds per square inch), bar, kPa (kilopascals), and MPa (megapascals). This calculator allows you to use any of these.

Can I use this calculator for both hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders?

Yes, the underlying physics for calculating force based on pressure and area is the same for both hydraulic (liquid) and pneumatic (gas) cylinders.