Pneumatic Cylinder Force Calculator

Information

Estimate pneumatic cylinder push and pull force from operating pressure, bore diameter, and rod diameter using common ISO pneumatic sizes.

How to use

  1. Select the system pressure in bar.
  2. Select the cylinder bore and rod size.
  3. Read forward force for extension and backward force for retraction.
  4. Click a result value to copy it.

Pneumatic cylinder force formula

Push force: F = P x pi x D2 / 4
Pull force: F = P x pi x (D2 - d2) / 4

Reference conversions:
1 bar = 100,000 Pa
1 kN = 1,000 N
1 N = 0.102 kgf

1Pa is equal to:
First equation
Second equation

Inputs

Pressure range: 1-8 bar. Cylinder sizes follow common ISO pneumatic bore and rod combinations from 12 mm to 250 mm.

bar

Results

Forward force:
Backward force:

Calculation Details:


Example Cylinder Force

At 6 bar, a 32/12 mm pneumatic cylinder produces about 482.55 N push force and 414.69 N pull force.

This example is useful for quick air cylinder sizing before checking speed, air consumption, mounting style, and the safety factor required by the application.

FAQ

What is push force?

Push force is the extend force calculated from the full bore area of the pneumatic cylinder.

What is pull force?

Pull force is the retract force. It is lower because the piston rod reduces the effective area.

Which pressure should I enter?

Use the working pressure available at the cylinder, not only the compressor set pressure.


This is a notification