Centripetal Force Calculator
Calculate the centripetal force required for circular motion. Enter mass, velocity, and radius.
Enter mass, velocity, and radius.
Centripetal Force Formula
Fc = m × v² / r
Centripetal force is the net force directed toward the center of a circular path. It keeps an object moving in a circle.
Example: A 2 kg ball on a string moving at 4 m/s in a circle of radius 1 m.
Fc = 2 × 4² / 1 = 2 × 16 = 32 N
Fc = 2 × 4² / 1 = 2 × 16 = 32 N
Centripetal Acceleration
ac = v² / r
The acceleration is always directed toward the center. The force causing this acceleration is the centripetal force.
FAQ
Is centripetal force a real force?
Yes. Centripetal force is not a separate type of force — it's any force (gravity, tension, friction) that acts toward the center to maintain circular motion.
What is centrifugal force?
Centrifugal force is a fictitious (pseudo) force that appears in a rotating reference frame. In an inertial frame, only centripetal force exists.
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Last updated: 2026-08-08