What rolling resistance is
Rolling resistance is the force resisting motion when a wheel rolls on a surface, caused mainly by deformation of the tire and road/surface contact. It’s a key factor in vehicle fuel efficiency and cycling performance.
The formula
Rolling resistance force Frr = Crr × m × g, where Crr is the dimensionless rolling resistance coefficient (typically around 0.01-0.02 for car tires on pavement, lower for bicycle tires), m is the vehicle’s mass, and g is gravitational acceleration.
This is the standard simplified rolling resistance model used in vehicle dynamics; actual rolling resistance can vary with speed, tire pressure, temperature, and road surface.
Last reviewed August 2026