Centripetal Force Calculator
Centripetal force calculator: force needed to keep a mass moving in a circle, plus centripetal acceleration.
F = m v²r
How to use this calculator
- Choose the quantity you want under “Solve for”.
- Type the known values and pick their units: any combination works.
- The result updates as you type. Open “Show the steps” to see the substitution.
F = m·v²/r points toward the centre of the circle. Doubling the speed quadruples the force.
Formula
F = m v²r
| Symbol | Quantity | Units |
|---|---|---|
| m | Mass | kg, g, mg, µg, t, lb, oz, st, US ton, ct, Da |
| v | Speed | m/s, km/h, mph, kn, ft/s, c |
| r | Radius | m, km, cm, mm, µm, nm, pm, Å, in, ft, yd, mi, nmi, au, ly |
| F | Centripetal force | N, kN, mN, dyn, lbf, kgf |
Worked example
Given: m = 1 000 kg · v = 20 m/s · r = 50 m
F = m v²r
Result: F = 8 000 N
Frequently asked questions
Force on a 1 000 kg car at 20 m/s in a 50 m curve?
8 000 N (8 m/s² of acceleration).