Principle of Moments Calculator
🧱 Forces & Newton’s laws. Use the Principle of moments (balance) formula to find force on the left, its distance from the pivot, force on the right, its distance from the pivot: 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 on the left | N |
| Its distance from the pivot | m |
| Force on the right | N |
| Its distance from the pivot | m |
Worked example
Find the force on the left when Its distance from the pivot = 2 m, Force on the right = 400 N, Its distance from the pivot = 1.5 m.
Using F1 d1 = F2 d2: Force on the left = 300 N.
Frequently asked questions
What is the formula for Principle of moments (balance)?
F1 d1 = F2 d2.
What do the letters stand for, and what units are used?
Force on the left in N, Its distance from the pivot in m, Force on the right in N, Its distance from the pivot in m.
How do you calculate force on the left?
Put the values into F1 d1 = F2 d2. For example, with Its distance from the pivot = 2 m, Force on the right = 400 N, Its distance from the pivot = 1.5 m, force on the left = 300 N.
Can I solve for a different value?
Yes. In the calculator above, pick the circle next to any value (force on the left, its distance from the pivot, force on the right, its distance from the pivot) and fill in the others: it rearranges the formula for you.
