Net Force Calculator
Calculate the net (resultant) force from multiple forces with different magnitudes and directions. Add or remove forces dynamically.
FORCES (magnitude & angle from horizontal)
NET FORCE
58.3095 N
DIRECTION
30.9638°
Fx
50 N
Fy
30 N
💡 How to Calculate Net Force
What Is Net Force?
Net force (also called resultant force) is the overall force acting on an object when you combine all individual forces. It is the vector sum of every force applied to the object. According to Newton's second law, the net force determines the object's acceleration: F_net = ma.
If the net force is zero, the object is in equilibrium — it is either stationary or moving at constant velocity.
How to Calculate Net Force
Vector Addition Method
To find the net force from multiple forces acting at different angles:
Fx = F × cos(θ), Fy = F × sin(θ)
Step 2: Sum all components:
ΣFx = F₁x + F₂x + ..., ΣFy = F₁y + F₂y + ...
Step 3: Find magnitude and direction:
F_net = √(ΣFx² + ΣFy²)
θ = arctan(ΣFy / ΣFx)
Balanced vs. Unbalanced Forces
When all forces cancel out (F_net = 0), forces are balanced and the object does not accelerate. When forces do not cancel out (F_net ≠ 0), the unbalanced force causes the object to accelerate in the direction of the net force. Use our force calculator to find the force from a known mass and acceleration.