🔧 Pneumatic Cylinder Force Calculator
Enter your cylinder bore diameter, rod diameter, and supply pressure to find the theoretical extend (push) and retract (pull) force.
What This Calculator Does
This calculator estimates the theoretical push (extend) and pull (retract) force a pneumatic cylinder can produce, based on its bore diameter, piston rod diameter, and the supply air pressure.
The Formula
Force equals pressure times area: F = P × A. On the extend stroke, the full bore area (π(bore/2)²) is pushed against. On the retract stroke, the rod occupies part of the piston area on that side, so the effective area is the annular area, Aannular = Abore − Arod, which is why retract force is always lower than extend force for a given pressure.
- These are theoretical values; real-world output force is reduced by friction, seal drag, and any back-pressure in the exhaust line, typically by 5–15%.
- Always check the cylinder manufacturer’s rated working pressure before applying supply pressure.
This uses the standard force = pressure × area relationship for general planning and educational purposes, not as a substitute for manufacturer specifications.