Online Calculators

# Friction Calculator

Friction Calculator
$$f = \mu N$$
f =
friction force
units

## Calculator Use

Choose a calculation for friction f, coefficient of friction μ or normal force N. Enter the other two values and the calculator will solve for the third in the selected units. You can also enter scientific notation such as 3.45e22.

## Friction Equation for these Calculations:

$$f = \mu N$$

Where:
$$f$$ = friction force
$$\mu$$ = coefficient of friction
$$N$$ = normal force

The Friction Calculator uses the formula f = μN, or friction (f) is equal to the coefficient of friction (μ) times the normal force (N). The calculator can use any two of the values to calculate the third. Along with values, enter the known units of measure for each and this calculator will convert among units.

Coefficient of friction is unitless since it is equal to force units divided by force units.

## Friction calculations:

Solving for friction, coefficient of friction or normal force we can use the following formulas:

Calculate f Given μ and N
Calculate friction force given coefficient of friction and normal force.

$$f = \mu N$$

Calculate μ Given f and f
Calculate coefficient of friction given friction force and normal force.

$$\mu = \dfrac{f}{N}$$

Calculate N Given μ and f
Calculate normal force given coefficient of friction and friction force.

$$N = \dfrac{f}{\mu}$$

## Normal Force as a function of Mass and Gravity

A simple form of the normal force equation is N = mg where the normal force (N) is equal to mass (m) times gravity (g). This calculator also allows you to enter mass and gravity instead of the normal force which will then be calculated.

Solving for friction force and coefficient of friction where the normal force equation is:

$$N = mg$$

Where:
$$N$$ = normal force
$$m$$ = mass
$$g$$ = gravity

Calculate f Given μ, m and g
Calculate friction force given coefficient of friction, mass and gravity.

$$f = \mu mg$$

Calculate μ Given f, m and g
Calculate coefficient of friction given friction force, mass and gravity.

$$\mu = \dfrac{f}{mg}$$

Use the following reference table if you need gravity of a specific planet.

Planet Gravity Table

Gravity

m/s2
Sun
274
Mercury
3.70
Venus
8.87
Earth
9.81
Moon
1.62
Mars
3.71
Jupiter
24.9
Saturn
10.44
Uranus
8.87
Neptune
11.15
Pluto
0.58

(table source: Planetary Fact Sheet - NASA)

*Standard gravity (gn). 1.00gn is equal to 9.80665 m/s2, gravity on Earth.

Cite this content, page or calculator as:

Furey, Edward "Friction Calculator f = μN" at https://www.calculatorsoup.com/calculators/physics/friction.php from CalculatorSoup, https://www.calculatorsoup.com - Online Calculators