Hydraulic Cylinder Force Calculator: Push, Pull and Speed
Enter bore and rod diameter and the system pressure. You get push and pull force in kN and tonnes, and with pump flow, how fast the cylinder extends and retracts.
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Push force (extend)
49.88kN
- Pull force (retract)
- 33.59 kN
- Push force in tonnes
- 5.09 tf
- Extend speed
- 0.107 m/s
- Retract speed
- 0.159 m/s
For guidance only. Electrical work must follow IS 732 and the cable makers’ tables, and be done or checked by a licensed electrician.
Theoretical force; seal friction and back-pressure lower it slightly.
Show working
- A = π × 63² ÷ 4 = 3,117.2 mm²
- F = 16 MPa × 3,117.2 mm² = 49,876 N
- A rod side = π × (63² − 36²) ÷ 4 = 2,099.4 mm²
How to use
- Enter bore (piston) diameter and rod diameter in mm.
- Enter the pressure and choose bar, psi or MPa.
- Optionally enter pump flow in litres per minute to see speeds.
Good to know
Push force = pressure × bore area = p × π × D² ÷ 4. Pull force uses the ring area = p × π × (D² − d²) ÷ 4, so it is always lower. A 63 mm bore at 160 bar pushes about 49.9 kN (5.1 tonnes); with a 36 mm rod it pulls about 33.6 kN.
Speed = flow ÷ area. With 20 L/min, the 63 mm cylinder extends at about 0.107 m/s and retracts faster (0.159 m/s) because the ring area is smaller. 1 bar = 0.1 MPa = 14.5 psi; 1 tonne-force = 9.81 kN.
These are theoretical forces. Seal friction and back-pressure reduce them by a few percent, and working loads should stay well below the cylinder’s rated pressure and rod buckling limit. Follow the cylinder maker’s ratings and safety practice.
Questions
How much force does a 50 mm cylinder give at 100 bar?
Area = π × 25² = 1,963 mm²; × 10 MPa = 19.6 kN, about 2 tonnes.
Why is pull force lower than push?
The rod takes up part of the piston area on the return side.
How do I convert bar to MPa?
Divide by 10: 160 bar = 16 MPa.
How fast will my cylinder move?
Speed = pump flow ÷ piston area. Enter flow in L/min to see it.
Is this the real lifting capacity?
It is theoretical. Allow for friction, pressure losses and a safety margin.