Pneumatic Cylinder Force Calculator

Force is calculated using the formula F = P × A, where P is the gauge pressure and A is the piston area. For a single-acting cylinder, A = π × D² / 4 (full bore area). For a double-acting cylinder on the instroke, the rod area is subtracted: A = π × (D² − d²) / 4, where d is the rod diameter.

A single-acting cylinder uses compressed air to extend the piston in one direction only, with a spring or external force returning it. A double-acting cylinder uses pressurized air for both extension (outstroke) and retraction (instroke), providing force in both directions.

On the instroke, air pressure acts on the annulus side of the piston — the full bore area minus the cross-sectional area of the piston rod. Since the rod occupies part of that area, the effective pressure area is smaller, resulting in a lower force compared to the outstroke.

The bore refers to the inner diameter of the cylinder barrel. It determines the full bore area upon which air pressure acts during the outstroke. A larger bore produces greater force at the same pressure.

The stroke is the total distance the piston rod travels from its fully retracted position to its fully extended position. Stroke length does not affect the force output — it affects the speed and volume of air consumed.

First calculate the force in Newtons using F = P × π × D² / 4. Then convert to tonnes-force by dividing by 9,806.65 (since 1 tonne-force ≈ 9,806.65 N). For example, a 100 mm bore at 10 bar produces about 785 N ≈ 0.08 tonne-force.

The formula is identical — F = P × A — but hydraulic systems operate at much higher pressures (typically 100–700 bar) compared to pneumatic systems (4–10 bar). This means hydraulic cylinders produce far greater forces for the same bore size.

It depends on the bore diameter and supply pressure. A typical 80 mm bore cylinder at 6 bar produces roughly 3,016 N (about 307 kg-force) on the outstroke. Use this calculator to find the exact force for your specific bore and pressure combination.