Newton’s second law links force, mass and acceleration: the same push accelerates a light object more than a heavy one.
How to use the Force Calculator
- Mass
- Acceleration
- Want to work backwards? Type a value into Net force and Acceleration is calculated for you.
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Multiply mass in kilograms by acceleration in metres per second squared to get force in newtons.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Mass | Units: kg, lb, g, oz, st |
| Acceleration | Units: m/s², ft/s², g |
What each result means
- Net force = [Mass] × [Acceleration]
- Weight of the mass on Earth = [Mass] × g
Example values
How the main result changes when Acceleration changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Acceleration (m/s²) | Net force (N) |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | 1,800 |
| 2.25 | 2,700 |
| 3 | 3,600 |
| 3.75 | 4,500 |
| 4.5 | 5,400 |
| 6 | 7,200 |
Formula
F = m × aWorked example
Inputs — Mass: 1,200 kg; Acceleration: 3 m/s².
Results — Net force = 3,600 N; Weight of the mass on Earth = 11,767.98 N.
Key terms
- Net force
- The vector sum of all forces on an object.
Frequently asked questions
What is a newton?
The force that accelerates 1 kg at 1 m/s².
Is this the only force acting?
F is the net force; friction and drag must be added or subtracted.
What formula does the Force Calculator use?
F = m × a.
Can I work backwards from the result?
Yes. Type the result you want into Net force and the calculator finds the matching acceleration.