Centripetal Force Calculator
🪐 Gravity & circular motion. Use the Centripetal force formula to find force (to the centre), mass, speed, radius: pick the value you want, type the others, and the answer updates as you go.
Pick the ○ next to the value you want to find, fill in the others, and it solves as you type.
What each letter means
| Quantity | Unit |
|---|---|
| Force (to the centre) | N |
| Mass | kg |
| Speed | m/s |
| Radius | m |
Worked example
Find the force (to the centre) when Mass = 1000 kg, Speed = 20 m/s, Radius = 50 m.
Using F = mv²/r: Force (to the centre) = 8000 N.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Centripetal force?
F = mv²/r.
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Force (to the centre) in N, Mass in kg, Speed in m/s, Radius in m.
How do you calculate force (to the centre)?
Put the values into F = mv²/r. For example, with Mass = 1000 kg, Speed = 20 m/s, Radius = 50 m, force (to the centre) = 8000 N.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (force (to the centre), mass, speed, radius) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
