Centripetal Force Calculator
Find the inward force that keeps an object on a circular path.
Your numbers
Your results
Centripetal acceleration (m/s²)
Centripetal acceleration (m/s²)
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Centripetal force (N)
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Angular speed (rad/s)
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Period of one lap (s)
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In g
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Centripetal Force Calculator by TheCalcTools
How the Centripetal Force Calculator works
Enter the mass, speed and the radius of the circle.
The acceleration points toward the centre and equals v² ÷ r.
Force is mass times that acceleration.
The formula
a = v² ÷ rF = m v² ÷ r
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Mass (kg) | 1200 |
|---|---|
| Speed (m/s) | 15 |
| Radius (m) | 50 |
- a = 15² ÷ 50 = 4.50 m/s².
- F = 1,200 × 4.50 = 5,400 N.
- One lap takes 20.94 s.
Result:
| Centripetal acceleration (m/s²) | 4.500 |
|---|---|
| Centripetal force (N) | 5,400.0 |
| Angular speed (rad/s) | 0.3000 |
| Period of one lap (s) | 20.94 |
| In g | 0.459 |
Frequently asked questions
What provides the centripetal force?
Friction for a car on a bend, tension for a string, gravity for a planet. It is not a separate force but the net inward force.
Why does a tighter bend need more friction?
The required force grows as 1 ÷ r, so halving the radius doubles the force.
Sources and further reading
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This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.