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Engineering ToolBox > Hydraulic Force

Hydraulic force - area formulas and calculator

The force produced by a double acting hydraulic piston on the rod side can be expressed as

F₁ = π / 4 (d₂² - d₁²) P₁ (1)

where 

F₁ = rod pull force (lb)

d₁ = rod diameter (inches)

d₂ = piston diameter (inches)

P₁ = pressure in the cylinder (rod side) (lf_f/in)

The force produced opposite the rod can be expressed as

F₂ = π / 4 d₂² P₂ (2)

where 

F₂ = rod push force (lb)

P₂ = pressure in the cylinder (opposite rod) (lf_f / in)

Calculate Pull Force - with pressure acting on rod side

Piston diameter - R₂ (in)

Rod diameter - R₁ (in)

Cylinder pressure - P₁ (lf_f / in)

Calculate Push Force - with pressure acting opposite rod side

Piston diameter - R₂ (in)

Cylinder pressure - P₂ (lf_f / in)

The diagram below indicates the rod pushing force for cylinders with different diameters and pressures.