Physics

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Centripetal Force Calculator.

Calculate centripetal force and acceleration for uniform circular motion.

On-device calculationNo signup
01

Set your values

Results update as you type.

force: 50 N

force

0.000000N
acceleration: 50 m/s²

acceleration

0.000000m/s²

Results update automatically as you type.

This page applies only the stated idealized equation and explicit inputs; verify specialized engineering, medical, or safety decisions against applicable standards.

Use Cases

Physics homework and exam prep

Quickly verify your manual calculations for uniform circular motion problems, such as a car turning or a satellite orbiting.

Example: Check the force needed for a 1000 kg car at 20 m/s on a 50 m radius curve.

Engineering design and safety checks

Estimate the required centripetal force for rotating machinery or amusement park rides to ensure structural integrity.

Example: Calculate the force on a 5 kg mass spinning at 10 m/s with a 2 m radius.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is centripetal force?
Centripetal force is the net force that keeps an object moving in a circular path, directed toward the center of the circle. It is calculated as mass times the square of tangential speed divided by orbit radius.
How do I use this calculator?
Enter the object's mass in kilograms, its tangential speed in meters per second, and the orbit radius in meters. The calculator will compute the centripetal force and acceleration for uniform circular motion.
What units does the result use?
The centripetal force is given in newtons (N), and the centripetal acceleration is given in meters per second squared (m/s²).

Tips & Common Mistakes

Tips

  • Ensure mass is in kilograms, speed in meters per second, and radius in meters for consistent results.
  • Remember that centripetal force is always directed toward the center of the circular path.
  • If you know the angular speed, convert it to tangential speed by multiplying by the radius.
  • Use the calculated acceleration to compare with gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²) for intuitive understanding.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using diameter instead of radius – the calculator expects the orbit radius, not the diameter.
  • Forgetting to square the tangential speed – the formula requires speed squared.
  • Mixing units, such as using grams for mass or kilometers per hour for speed, without converting.

Last updated: August 13, 2026