Mechanical / 05
Cylinder Force Calculator
Calculate ideal cylinder extension and retraction forces in N from pressure in bar and diameters in mm.
How it works
Fextend = p × 10⁵ × π(bore/2000)²; Fretract = p × 10⁵ × π(bore² − rod²) / (4 × 10⁶)
At 6 bar with a 50 mm bore and 20 mm rod, extension force is 1,178.10 N and retraction force is 989.60 N.
FAQ
Why is retraction force smaller?
The rod occupies part of the pressurized piston area.
Is this the available working force?
This is ideal static force. Friction, back pressure, and pressure drops reduce actual force.
What pressure should I use?
Use the pressure difference across the piston in bar for the ideal calculation.