Linear Actuator Force Calculator

What Is Linear Actuator Force?

Hydraulic and pneumatic linear actuators convert fluid pressure into straight-line mechanical force. The output force depends on piston area, system pressure, and mechanical efficiency losses from seals, friction, and linkage.

Linear Actuator Force Formula

\(F\) is output force, \(P\) is fluid pressure, \(A\) is effective piston area, and \(\eta\) is efficiency as a decimal (for example 90% → 0.90).

Unit Tips

Pressure is often given in bar or PSI. Area may be in cm² or in². Convert consistently: 1 bar = 100,000 Pa and 1 cm² = 10⁻⁴ m². A 100 bar cylinder with 50 cm² area and 90% efficiency produces about 45 kN of force.