Centrifugal Force Calculator

Calculate centrifugal force for rotating objects using F = mv²/r. Enter mass, velocity, and radius to find the outward force.

⚖️ MASS

🚀 VELOCITY

m/s

📏 RADIUS

CENTRIFUGAL FORCE

250 N

IN lbf

56.2023 lbf

ANGULAR VEL.

5 rad/s

FORMULA

F = mv²/r

💡 How to Calculate Centrifugal Force

What Is Centrifugal Force?

Centrifugal force is the apparent outward force experienced by an object moving in a circular path. When you are in a car that turns sharply, you feel pushed toward the outside of the turn — that sensation is the centrifugal force.

In physics, centrifugal force is classified as a pseudo-force, or fictitious force. It does not arise from any physical interaction but rather from the inertia of the object as observed from a rotating reference frame. It has the same magnitude as centripetal force but acts in the opposite direction — outward rather than inward.

How to Calculate Centrifugal Force

Centrifugal Force Formula

F = mv² / r

Where:

F = centrifugal force (N)
m = mass of the object (kg)
v = tangential velocity (m/s)
r = radius of rotation (m)

You can also write this using angular velocity: F = mω²r.

For example, a 5 kg mass spinning at 10 m/s on a 2-meter string experiences:

F = 5 × 10² / 2 = 5 × 100 / 2 = 250 N

Centrifugal Force vs. Centripetal Force

Centripetal force is the real inward force that keeps an object on its curved path — for a car turning, this is the friction between the tires and the road. Centrifugal force is the equal and opposite apparent force felt by the object. Both have the same formula, F = mv²/r, but they act in opposite directions. Use our centripetal force calculator to find the inward force.

A 5 kg mass spinning at 10 m/s on a 2 m string experiences 250 N of centrifugal force. This equals the centripetal force magnitude.