Calculated Results
Enter your values and press calculate. Results will appear here above the form.
Calculator Inputs
Formula Used
Effective pressure: Peff = P × (1 − pressure drop)
Piston area: Apush = πD² ÷ 4
Annulus area: Apull = π(D² − d²) ÷ 4
Theoretical force: F = Peff × A
Actual force: Factual = F × efficiency
Net force: Fnet = total actual force − resisting load
Design force: Fdesign = Fnet ÷ safety factor
Required extension bore: D = √(4F ÷ (πPeffηn))
Required retraction bore: D = √((4F ÷ (πPeffηn)) + d²)
Use SI units inside the formulas. The calculator automatically converts common pressure units into pascals before solving.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the available supply pressure and choose its unit.
- Add bore diameter and rod diameter in millimeters.
- Enter realistic efficiency and pressure drop values.
- Provide the resisting load, safety factor, and cylinder count.
- Set a target force if you want bore sizing guidance.
- Include stroke length to estimate air volume per stroke.
- Press Calculate Force to show results above the form.
- Use the CSV or PDF buttons to export the calculated summary.
Example Data Table
| Pressure | Bore | Rod | Efficiency | Load | Extension Force | Retraction Force |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 bar | 63 mm | 20 mm | 90% | 1200 N | 1,599.15 N | 1,437.98 N |
| 7 bar | 80 mm | 25 mm | 92% | 2500 N | 3,075.24 N | 2,774.93 N |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is extension force higher than retraction force?
Extension uses the full piston area. Retraction loses area because the rod occupies part of the piston face, so available force drops.
2. What efficiency value should I enter?
Use a realistic overall value that includes seal friction, alignment losses, and real operating behavior. Many practical estimates fall between 85% and 95%.
3. Does pressure drop matter much?
Yes. Even modest line losses reduce effective pressure and therefore lower cylinder force directly. Long tubing, restrictive valves, and high flow rates can increase the drop.
4. What does design force mean here?
Design force is the remaining net force after dividing by the safety factor. It gives a more conservative output for equipment sizing decisions.
5. Can I size a cylinder with this tool?
Yes. Enter a target force and the calculator estimates the minimum bore needed for both extension and retraction conditions.
6. Why include stroke length?
Stroke length helps estimate displaced air volume per stroke. That supports compressor demand checks, valve selection, and cycle consumption reviews.
7. Should I enter total load or per-cylinder load?
Enter the total resisting load acting against the whole cylinder system. The tool multiplies available force by the number of cylinders before comparing it.
8. Is the result enough for final machine design?
It is a solid sizing estimate, but final design should also verify buckling, mounting geometry, speed requirements, cushioning, shock loads, and pressure regulation.