Calculate the force needed to push or pull a load on level ground or an incline from its weight and the surfaces, or solve for friction or load.

On level ground the normal force equals the load’s weight, so you can enter its mass in kg or lb.

Typical sliding (kinetic) values; starting a stationary load needs more force. Choose Custom for a measured ฮผ.

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Push/Pull Force Formula

For steady uphill sliding or impending uphill slip, with the applied force parallel to the incline, the force is:

F = m ร— g ร— sin(ฮธ) + ฮผ ร— m ร— g ร— cos(ฮธ)

Variables:

  • F is the force required to push or pull (N)
  • m is the mass of the object (kg)
  • g is the assumed standard acceleration due to gravity (9.80665 m/sยฒ)
  • ฮธ is the angle of incline (degrees)
  • ฮผ is the coefficient of friction

For a parallel uphill force, add the downhill gravity component to sliding friction (kinetic ฮผ), or to limiting friction at impending uphill slip (static ฮผ). With an angled force, the normal reaction also changes; the calculator includes that effect and requires maintained surface contact.

What is Push/Pull Force?

This calculator estimates idealized tangential force for steady sliding or the threshold of impending uphill slip. Static friction below that threshold can be less than ฮผN. It assumes zero acceleration, a rigid surface and a constant friction coefficient; it does not estimate rolling resistance or certify an ergonomic safe-force limit.

How to Calculate Push/Pull Force?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Push/Pull Force:

  1. First, determine the mass of the object (m) in kilograms.
  2. Next, determine the coefficient of friction (ฮผ) between the object and the surface.
  3. Next, determine the angle of incline (ฮธ) in degrees.
  4. Use the formula F = m * g * sin(ฮธ) + ฮผ * m * g * cos(ฮธ) to calculate the force.
  5. Finally, calculate the Push/Pull Force (F) in newtons (N).
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Mass of the object (m) = 50 kg

Coefficient of friction (ฮผ) = 0.3

Angle of incline (ฮธ) = 25 degrees