Hydraulic Cylinder Force Calculator

What this tool does

Force is pressure times the area the pressure acts on, so the extend stroke uses the full bore while the retract stroke loses the area taken up by the rod. That is why almost every cylinder pulls with less force than it pushes, often by a third or more.

Formula

F = p × A , A = π × d² ÷ 4

Variables

Worked example

Limitations

• The formula assumes ideal conditions: no friction losses, no air resistance and no efficiency losses unless you enter them.
• For work that must comply with a standard or be signed off, check the result against the applicable code and have it reviewed by a qualified engineer.