Hydraulic Cylinder Force & Pressure
Calculate push force, pull force, and pressure in tonnes/kN.
Last reviewed by the myCalculator Editorial Team
Input Parameters
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Formula & How Hydraulic Cylinder Force & Pressure Works
A hydraulic cylinder's force is the pressure multiplied by the piston area: F = P × A. A cylinder with a 100 mm bore has a piston area of π × 0.05² = 0.007854 m². At 150 bar (15 MPa) it produces 15,000,000 × 0.007854 = about 117.8 kN. On the retraction stroke the rod reduces the area the oil acts on, so the force is lower than on extension. Speed depends on the flow rate divided by the area. Include the working-pressure limit of the hoses, fittings and the pump, and a safety factor, when you size a system. Hydraulic systems store a lot of energy, so work on them only if you are trained.
- Enter Cylinder Bore Diameter (mm): Input your target parameter value.
- Enter Rod Diameter (mm): Input your target parameter value.
- Enter Operating Pressure (bar): Input your target parameter value.
- Apply Formula: Calculate using
Force = Pressure × Piston Area. - Review Results: View exact computed answers, metrics, and worked mathematical proofs.
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MyCalculator.com.au. (2026). Hydraulic Cylinder Force & Pressure. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.mycalculator.com.au/calculators/engineering/hydraulic
MyCalculator.com.au. (2026) 'Hydraulic Cylinder Force & Pressure'. Available at: https://www.mycalculator.com.au/calculators/engineering/hydraulic (Accessed: 24 October 2026).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why is retract force weaker than extend force?
The cylinder rod occupies area on the return side, reducing effective fluid push area.
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Authoritative Standards & Verified Reference Citations
Calculations and mathematical logic on this page are grounded in published statutory rules, regulatory standards, and official government data published by the following bodies:
Australian Standards including AS/NZS 3000 (Wiring Rules), AS 3600 (Concrete Structures), and AS 4100 (Steel Structures).
Accreditation and technical guidelines for civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering.
Dedicated Australian home loans, borrowing capacity, mortgage repayments & refinance modeling.