Hydraulic cylinder calculator: force, speed and volume
Push and pull force, extend and retract speed, oil per stroke and cycle time for a hydraulic cylinder, from its bore, rod, stroke, pressure and pump flow.
Your numbers
The cylinderThe system See your resultResult
Push force (extend) 31,416 lbf15.7 short tons on 12.57 sq in Pull force (retract) 23,562 lbf9.42 sq in annulus Speed out / in 3.06 / 4.08 in/s Oil per stroke out / in 1.31 / 0.98 galfull cycle about 13.7 s Stop working this out by handFleetZap PM schedules open hydraulic services (filters, fluid, hose checks) on engine hours, and each work order keeps its steps, parts and photos.
See FleetZap Maintenance · Try the demoThe formula
Force = Pressure × Area · Area = π ÷ 4 × Diameter² · Speed (in/s) = gpm × 231 ÷ (60 × Area)
On the pull stroke the rod takes up part of the piston, so the area is π ÷ 4 × (bore² − rod²): less force, more speed. With the example: 2,500 psi on a 4 in bore is about 31,400 lbf out and 23,600 lbf in. These are theoretical numbers; real force is lower after friction and pressure losses, so size with a margin and follow the maker’s ratings. The hydraulic maintenance guide covers the checks that keep pressure where it should be.
Using the numberWhat to do with it
- A cylinder that has slowed down at the same pump flow often points to internal leakage past the seals or a worn pump.
- Never go above the cylinder’s or the hoses’ rated pressure to get more force; pick a bigger bore instead.
- Contaminated oil is behind most hydraulic failures. Change filters on schedule and take oil samples on busy machines.
Guides behind this calculator
Hydraulic system maintenance Hydraulic breaker maintenance Causes of equipment failureMore free calculators
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Good to know
How do you calculate hydraulic cylinder force?Multiply pressure by area. Area is π ÷ 4 × bore² when extending, and π ÷ 4 × (bore² − rod²) when retracting. 2,500 psi on a 4 inch bore gives about 31,400 lbf.
How do you calculate cylinder speed?Speed in inches per second = gpm × 231 ÷ (60 × area in square inches). The cylinder retracts faster because the rod side has less area to fill.
Why is real force lower than the calculation?Friction in the seals and pressure losses in hoses and valves take some of it. Size with a margin and stay within the cylinder's rated pressure.
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