Physics

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Rolling Resistance Calculator.

Calculate ideal rolling-resistance force F=Crr·m·g.

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01

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Rolling-resistance force: 98.0665 N

Rolling-resistance force

0.000000N

Results update automatically as you type.

Use Cases

Estimate vehicle rolling resistance

Use this calculator to estimate the rolling resistance force acting on a vehicle, which is essential for understanding fuel consumption and performance.

Example: For a car with mass 1500 kg, Crr 0.015, and g=9.81 m/s², the force is about 220.7 N.

Design and engineering calculations

Engineers can use this tool to quickly compute rolling resistance for various designs, such as conveyor systems or wheeled equipment, to ensure proper motor sizing.

Example: For a 500 kg load with Crr 0.01 and g=9.81, the force is 49.05 N.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rolling resistance and how is it calculated?
Rolling resistance is the force resisting the motion of a wheel rolling on a surface. It is calculated using the formula F = Crr × m × g, where Crr is the rolling resistance coefficient, m is the mass in kilograms, and g is the gravitational acceleration in m/s².
What units should I use for mass and gravity?
Mass should be entered in kilograms (kg) and gravity in meters per second squared (m/s²). The calculator will then output the rolling resistance force in newtons (N).
What is a typical rolling resistance coefficient?
Typical values range from 0.001 for steel wheels on rails to 0.03 for car tires on concrete. The coefficient depends on the materials and conditions of the wheel and surface.

Tips & Common Mistakes

Tips

  • Use a rolling resistance coefficient that matches your specific wheel and surface conditions for more accurate results.
  • Ensure mass is entered in kilograms, not pounds or other units, to get the correct force in newtons.
  • For standard Earth conditions, use g = 9.81 m/s². Adjust if you are calculating for other planets or environments.
  • Remember that this calculator provides the ideal rolling resistance force, ignoring factors like tire deformation and surface irregularities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using the wrong units for mass, such as pounds or grams, which will produce incorrect force values.
  • Entering the rolling resistance coefficient as a percentage (e.g., 1.5) instead of a decimal (0.015).
  • Forgetting to include the gravitational acceleration or using an incorrect value, leading to inaccurate results.

Last updated: August 13, 2026