MihsabaShare this free calculator
Send this tool to someone who needs the calculation.
How to use
Centripetal force is not a new kind of force; it is the net inward force required for circular motion. It can be calculated from tangential or angular speed, and the equation can be solved for any main variable.
- Choose tangential speed v or angular speed ω/RPM.
- Choose the unknown: force, mass, radius or speed, then SI or imperial units.
- Enter known values and calculate force, centripetal acceleration, tangential speed and angular speed.
How it is calculated
Example
Example: a 2 kg object moving at 4 m/s on a 0.5 m radius requires 64 N of centripetal force and has 32 m/s² centripetal acceleration.
Important notes
The result is the magnitude of the required inward net force. The real force providing it may be friction, tension, gravity or a normal force. Do not use this calculator alone for safety-critical design.
Worked examples and interpreting results
A 2 kg mass moving at tangential speed 6 m/s on radius 3 m requires centripetal force 24 N. Centripetal acceleration is 12 m/s².
| Case | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Centripetal force | 2 × 6² ÷ 3 | 24 N |
| Centripetal acceleration | 6² ÷ 3 | 12 m/s² |
How to check the result
Select force, SI units and tangential speed. Centripetal force is the net inward force, not an extra force separate from the actual forces acting.
Frequently asked questions
How are RPM and ω related?
ω in rad/s equals RPM×2π÷60.
Does velocity point toward the center?
Tangential velocity points along the tangent; centripetal acceleration and force point inward.
Is centripetal force an additional independent force?
No. It names the net inward result of real forces such as tension, friction or gravity. Do not add it again on a free-body diagram; sum the radial components of the existing forces.