Normal Force Calculator

Your details

Select the physical setup. Each scenario uses a different formula.
Mass of the object. In imperial mode enter pounds-mass (lbm).
kg
Standard Earth gravity is 9.81 m/s² (32.174 ft/s²). Change this for the Moon (1.62 m/s²) or other bodies.
m/s²
Normal forceObject in contact with surface
98.1

The perpendicular contact force the surface exerts on the object

Weight (gravitational force)98.1
Weight component perpendicular to surface98.1
Vertical component of external force0
Force unitN
Weight (gravitational)98.1
Weight into surface98.1
External force (vertical)0
Normal force98.1

Normal force: 98.10 N

  • The object weighs 98.10 N. The surface pushes back with 98.10 N.
  • On a flat, horizontal surface with no external forces, the normal force equals the weight exactly.
  • Normal force is the reaction force keeping the object in contact with the surface. Friction force is typically a fraction of the normal force (friction = μ × FN).

Next stepTo calculate friction, multiply the normal force (98.10 N) by the coefficient of friction (μ). For dry steel on steel that is roughly 0.6, giving 58.86 N.

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