● System Active
PNEUMACALC CYLINDER FORCE CALCULATOR
Extend Force
-
kN
↗ PUSH
Retract Force
-
kN
↙ PULL
Piston Area
-
cm²
Annulus Area
-
cm²
Force Ratio
-
EXT/RET
Ext / Ret Ratio -
Cross-Section
Parameters
Bore Diameter 80 mm
10165320
Rod Diameter 32 mm
580160
Supply Pressure 6.0 bar
1816
Back Pressure 0.0 bar
024
Formula Reference
EXT F = P × π(D/2)² − Pback × π(D²−d²)/4
RET F = P × π(D²−d²)/4 − Pback × π(D/2)²
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Pneumatic Cylinder Force Calculator: Engineering Guide

Pneumatic cylinders generate linear motion and force from compressed air pressure. This calculator lets you accurately calculate extend (push) and retract (pull) forces, an essential tool for industrial automation, jigs and fixtures, and machine design.

📋 How to Use This Calculator

  1. Enter bore diameter (mm), this is the cylinder's inner diameter.
  2. Enter rod diameter (mm), required for retract force calculation.
  3. Enter supply pressure (bar) and back pressure (bar).
  4. Toggle between SI and Imperial units and view extend/retract forces instantly.

📐 Formula & Working Principle

Extend Force = (π/4) × D² × P_supply − (π/4) × D² × P_back. Retract Force = (π/4) × (D²−d²) × P_supply − (π/4) × D² × P_back. Where D = bore dia, d = rod dia, P = pressure.

💡 Worked Example

Bore: 63 mm, Rod: 25 mm, Supply: 6 bar, Back pressure: 0.5 bar. Extend Force = (π/4 × 63² × 6) − (π/4 × 63² × 0.5) = 18,647 N − 1,554 N = 17,093 N ≈ 17.1 kN.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why is extend force different from retract force?

During the retract stroke, the rod's cross-sectional area reduces the effective bore area, so retract force is always less than extend force.

Q: What should I look for when selecting a pneumatic cylinder?

Required force, stroke length, operating pressure, mounting style and duty cycle. For safety, select a bore that provides 1.5× the calculated force.

Q: Why is 6 bar used as the standard supply pressure?

Most industrial compressors supply 6–8 bar. 6 bar is a practical working standard, but you can enter your actual supply pressure.

Q: What is the difference between double-acting and single-acting cylinders?

Double-acting cylinders use air pressure in both directions (extend + retract). Single-acting cylinders use a spring return on one side, simpler design with lower force.

Q: How do I select the cylinder size?

Required force ÷ Operating pressure = Required area. Derive bore diameter: D = 2 × √(Area/π). Select the nearest standard bore size upward.