Inclined Plane Calculator
Find what happens to a block on a ramp.
Your numbers
Your results
Force down the slope (N)
Force down the slope (N)
—
Normal force (N)
—
Maximum friction (N)
—
Acceleration down the slope (m/s²)
—
Result
—
Inclined Plane Calculator by TheCalcTools
How the Inclined Plane Calculator works
Enter the mass, the slope angle and the friction coefficient.
Gravity splits into a part along the slope and a part pressing into it.
The block slides if the downslope part exceeds the maximum friction.
The formula
F∥ = m g sin θN = m g cos θ
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator:
| Mass (kg) | 20 |
|---|---|
| Slope angle (°) | 30 |
| Friction coefficient | 0.2 |
- Force down the slope = 20 × 9.80665 × sin 30° = 98.07 N.
- Maximum friction = 0.2 × 169.86 = 33.97 N.
- The block accelerates at 3.20 m/s².
Result:
| Force down the slope (N) | 98.07 |
|---|---|
| Normal force (N) | 169.86 |
| Maximum friction (N) | 33.97 |
| Acceleration down the slope (m/s²) | 3.205 |
| Result | Slides down |
Frequently asked questions
At what angle does a block start to slide?
When tan θ exceeds the friction coefficient: θ = arctan μ. For μ = 0.2 that is about 11.3°.
Does mass affect the acceleration?
No. Mass cancels out, so acceleration depends only on the angle and friction.
Sources and further reading
Related calculators
More in Physics · All calculators
This calculator gives estimates for information only. Check important results independently before you rely on them. See our disclaimer.