Centripetal Force Calculator
Calculate the centripetal force needed to keep an object moving in a circle from its mass, speed and radius.
Last reviewed by the Radiatus Cloud team
Calculate the centripetal force for circular motion.
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Calculate centripetal force
Centripetal force is the inward force required to keep an object moving along a circular path. It is calculated as the mass times the square of the speed divided by the radius of the circle. A one-kilogram object moving at five metres per second around a two-metre radius needs a centripetal force of twelve and a half newtons directed toward the centre. The calculator also gives the centripetal acceleration, which points inward and continually changes the object's direction.
Without this inward force, the object would fly off in a straight line, following its natural tendency to move in a straight path.
Circular motion
Centripetal force explains a car turning a corner, a satellite orbiting the Earth, a ball on a string and the water staying in a bucket swung overhead. The force is not a new kind of force but whatever provides the inward pull in each case, such as friction, gravity or tension. Because the force grows with the square of the speed, turning faster requires dramatically more force, which is why vehicles skid when cornering too quickly.
The force points toward the centre of the circle, perpendicular to the motion, so it changes direction rather than speed. Keep units consistent for a result in newtons. All calculation happens locally in your browser.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is centripetal force?
It is the inward force that keeps an object moving in a circle, equal to mass times speed squared divided by the radius.
Which direction does it point?
Toward the centre of the circular path, perpendicular to the object\'s motion, which changes its direction rather than its speed.
What provides the centripetal force?
It is not a separate force but whatever supplies the inward pull, such as friction, gravity, tension or a track\'s normal force.
Why is cornering at speed dangerous?
The required force grows with the square of the speed, so turning faster needs far more force, and if it exceeds available friction the object skids.
What is centripetal acceleration?
It is the inward acceleration, speed squared divided by radius, that accompanies the force and constantly redirects the object.
Privacy & Security
Everything runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
How to Use
Enter the mass, speed and radius of the circular path.
Disclaimer: This tool is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Results are for educational and utility purposes.