Math
Centripetal Force Calculator
Solve F = m v^2 / r for centripetal force, mass, velocity, radius, or angular velocity. Accepts angular velocity, frequency, or period as input.
Centripetal Force Calculator
Given mass, radius, and a velocity input, compute F = m v squared over r.
Mass of the orbiting object. Must be greater than zero.
Radius of the circular path. Must be greater than zero.
Tangential speed along the circular path.
Centripetal force
40 N
Centripetal force
40 N
Centripetal acceleration
20 m/s squared
Velocity
10 m/s
Radius
5 m
Mass
2 kg
Angular velocity
2 rad/s
Frequency
0.31831 Hz
Period
3.141593 s
g-force
2.039432 g
Frequently Asked Questions about the Centripetal Force Calculator
What is centripetal force?
Centripetal force is the net inward force that keeps an object moving in a circular path instead of flying off in a straight line. It always points from the object toward the center of the circle. F = m x v^2 / r.
What is the difference between centripetal and centrifugal force?
Centripetal force is real and points inward. Centrifugal force is an apparent outward force that only exists in a rotating reference frame. From an inertial frame there is only the inward centripetal force keeping you on the curve.
How do I convert frequency or period into angular velocity?
Angular velocity omega = 2 x pi x f when you know the frequency f in hertz, and omega = 2 x pi / T when you know the period T in seconds. 2 Hz works out to 4 pi rad/s, roughly 12.566 rad/s.
Why does the calculator reject zero or negative inputs?
Mass, radius, velocity, and force must be strictly positive for circular motion to make physical sense. Zero radius means no circle; zero mass is not a real object; negative force would imply an outward pull rather than centripetal.
What does the g-force value mean?
The g-force is the centripetal acceleration divided by standard gravity (1 g = 9.80665 m/s^2). It tells you how many times stronger the inward pull feels compared to normal gravity. A roller coaster pulling 4 g makes a 70 kg rider feel like they weigh 280 kg for that moment.