Calculator
Formula used
- a = v² / r where v is tangential speed and r is radius.
- a = ω² r where ω is angular speed in rad/s.
- ω = 2πf, ω = 2π/T, and ω = RPM × 2π / 60.
- F = m a (optional) gives centripetal force in newtons.
- g‑force = a / 9.80665 converts acceleration to g.
How to use this calculator
- Select a goal, such as calculating acceleration or solving for RPM.
- Enter the radius and choose the correct radius unit.
- For “calculate acceleration”, pick a method and provide the needed value.
- For solve modes, enter the known acceleration and its unit.
- Optionally enter mass to estimate centripetal force.
- Click Calculate, then download results as CSV or PDF.
Example data table
| Radius (m) | RPM | Acceleration (m/s²) | g‑force (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.15 | 600 | 592.18 | 60.39 |
| 0.25 | 900 | 2,220.66 | 226.44 |
| 0.35 | 1200 | 5,526.98 | 563.59 |
| 0.50 | 1500 | 12,337.01 | 1,258.02 |
| 1.00 | 3000 | 98,696.04 | 10,064.20 |
These examples use a = ω² r with ω = RPM × 2π / 60.
Centrifugal Acceleration Guide
1) What centrifugal acceleration represents
Centrifugal acceleration is the outward‑felt effect of circular motion. In mechanics it matches the inward centripetal acceleration that keeps a path circular. This tool reports m/s², ft/s², and g‑force using 9.80665 m/s².
2) Inputs that drive the result
Radius affects results linearly, but speed and angular speed are squared. So a small RPM rise can produce a large acceleration rise, especially at larger radii. Always confirm your radius unit before trusting huge outputs.
3) Using speed and radius
With tangential speed, the calculator uses a = v²/r. Example: r = 0.50 m and v = 10 m/s gives a = 200 m/s² ≈ 20.39 g. Doubling speed to 20 m/s makes a = 800 m/s² ≈ 81.55 g.
4) Using RPM, frequency, or period
For rotors, enter RPM and radius. The tool converts with ω = RPM × 2π/60 and then applies a = ω²r. At r = 0.25 m and 900 RPM, ω ≈ 94.25 rad/s and a ≈ 2220 m/s² (≈ 226.35 g). Frequency uses ω = 2πf, and period uses ω = 2π/T.
5) Reading g‑force values
g‑force is a ratio that compares setups. 1 g equals Earth‑gravity. 5 g is uncomfortable for many people; 20 g is severe; 100 g and above is common in high‑speed rigs. Use the decimals control for reporting.
6) Adding mass to estimate force
Mass does not change acceleration, but it changes force. If you add mass, the calculator estimates centripetal force with F = ma. With m = 2.0 kg and a = 200 m/s², the inward force is 400 N.
7) Practical checks
If a result looks extreme, recheck cm vs m and RPM digits (9000 vs 900). Rule: doubling RPM quadruples acceleration, because acceleration scales with ω². Keep radius greater than zero.
FAQs
1) Is centrifugal acceleration different from centripetal acceleration?
They share the same magnitude in uniform circular motion. Centripetal points inward in an inertial frame, while “centrifugal” is the outward‑felt effect in a rotating frame. This calculator reports the common magnitude.
2) Why does acceleration increase so fast with RPM?
Because a = ω²r. If ω doubles, ω² becomes four times larger, so acceleration quadruples. That is why modest RPM changes can strongly raise g‑force.
3) Which method should I choose: speed or RPM?
Use speed if you know tangential velocity at the radius of interest. Use RPM, frequency, or period if you know rotation rate. After conversions, each method produces the same acceleration.
4) What radius should I enter for a wheel or disk?
Enter the distance from the axis to the point you care about. For edge acceleration, use the outer radius. For a sensor mounted halfway out, use that mounting radius.
5) What does the mass field change?
Mass does not change acceleration. It is only used to estimate centripetal force with F = ma. Leave it blank if you only need acceleration and g‑force.
6) How do I export results?
After you calculate, use the Download CSV or Download PDF buttons. CSV is best for spreadsheets, and PDF is a compact summary for reports or sharing.