Calculate centrifugal force (F = mω²r) from mass, radius, and rotational speed. Supports RPM, rad/s, and velocity inputs with G-force analysis.
Centrifugal force is the apparent outward force experienced by an object moving in a circular path, as observed from the rotating reference frame. While technically a "fictitious" or "pseudo" force (arising from inertia in a non-inertial frame), it is very real in its effects — from the spin cycle of a washing machine to the design of space station artificial gravity.
This calculator computes centrifugal force from mass, radius, and rotational speed (entered as RPM, angular velocity, or tangential velocity). It also calculates the centripetal acceleration, G-force loading, tangential speed, and rotation period. The results apply equally to centripetal force calculations since the magnitudes are identical.
Presets include washing machines, car turns, centrifuges, merry-go-rounds, and space stations. A force-vs-RPM table and a reference table of common centrifugal force applications provide engineering context. Check the example with realistic values before reporting. Use the steps shown to verify rounding and units. Cross-check this output using a known reference case.
Centrifugal force calculations are needed in mechanical engineering (flywheel and rotor design), process engineering (centrifuge sizing), automotive engineering (vehicle dynamics), and aerospace (artificial gravity). This calculator handles all common input formats and provides G-force context.
The RPM table and application reference make it easy to relate calculated values to real-world systems and verify that designs are within acceptable force limits.
F = mω²r = mv²/r. ω = 2π × RPM / 60. G-force = ω²r / 9.81. Tangential velocity v = ωr. Period T = 2π/ω.
Result: 19,739 N (402 G)
A 5 kg load of clothes in a washing machine spin cycle (1200 RPM, 0.25 m radius) experiences 19,739 N of centrifugal force — about 402 times its weight. This is what extracts water from the fabric.
Centrifugal force considerations are critical in designing rotating machinery: turbine blades experience enormous centrifugal loads at 10,000+ RPM, requiring superalloy materials. Centrifugal pumps use vane rotation to accelerate fluid outward, converting rotational energy to flow energy. Centrifugal clutches engage automatically above a set RPM.
In a rotating reference frame, two fictitious forces appear: centrifugal force (outward, proportional to radius) and Coriolis force (perpendicular to velocity). Both are important for weather systems on Earth and for objects moving within large rotating structures.
Ultracentrifuges spin at up to 150,000 RPM, achieving over 1,000,000 G. Uranium enrichment gas centrifuges operate at 50,000-70,000 RPM. At these speeds, molecular weight differences cause isotopic separation — UF₆ with U-238 moves slightly outward compared to UF₆ with U-235.
In an inertial (non-rotating) frame, centrifugal force does not exist — only centripetal force is real. However, in the rotating reference frame, centrifugal force is a perfectly valid and useful concept for calculating apparent forces.
Centripetal force is the real inward force that keeps an object moving in a circle (like tension in a string). Centrifugal force is the apparent outward force felt by the object in the rotating frame. They have equal magnitude but opposite directions.
During the spin cycle, clothes are pushed outward against the drum at hundreds of G. Water, being less bound to the fabric, is flung through the drum holes, dramatically reducing drying time.
Yes — a rotating space station can simulate gravity on its outer wall. For 1G, you need ω²r = 9.81, which can be achieved with a 100 m radius spinning at about 3 RPM for acceptable comfort.
Centrifugal force depends on ω² (angular velocity squared). Since ω is proportional to RPM, doubling the RPM quadruples the force. This is why high-speed centrifuges achieve enormous G-forces.
Material strength limits RPM. The spinning object must withstand the centrifugal stress. This is why turbine blades, centrifuge rotors, and flywheels are made from high-strength materials.