Centrifugal Force Calculator
Find the outward centrifugal force on a rotating mass from its speed and radius, and the g-force it feels.
How it works
ω = 2π · rpm ÷ 60 · F = m · ω² · r · g-force = ω² · r ÷ 9.80665
In a rotating frame an object appears pushed outward by the centrifugal force F = mω²r — equal in size to the centripetal force that must actually pull it inward to keep it on its circular path. Because it depends on the square of the angular velocity, doubling the spin rate quadruples the force, which is why centrifuges reach thousands of g at modest radii. Expressing it as a multiple of g (9.80665 m/s²) makes the effect intuitive.
Worked example
A 0.5 kg mass at 0.4 m spinning at 200 rpm has ω = 2π × 200 ÷ 60 = 20.94 rad/s. Force = 0.5 × 20.94² × 0.4 = 87.7 N, about 22.3 g.
Sources: Centrifugal force — Wikipedia
Frequently asked questions
Is centrifugal force real?
It is a fictitious (inertial) force that appears only in a rotating reference frame. In an inertial frame the real force is the inward centripetal force; centrifugal force is the outward reaction you feel because of your own inertia.
How do I increase centrifugal force?
Raise the rotation speed, the radius, or the mass. Speed has the biggest effect because force grows with the square of angular velocity — doubling rpm gives four times the force.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.