Pumps & Hydraulics

Hydraulic Cylinder Force & Speed Calculator

Calculate ideal extend and retract force, actuator speed, stroke time and oil volume for a double-acting single-rod cylinder.

“I know the bore, rod, pressure and flow. What force and cycle speed should I expect from the cylinder?”

Core formulae

Hydraulic cylinder reference

Bore-side areaA_b = π D_b² / 4

Annulus areaA_a = A_b − π D_r² / 4

Ideal forceF = P A

Ideal speedv = Q / A

Real available force is reduced by return-line back-pressure and friction. Real speed depends on leakage, valve pressure drop and the flow actually reaching the actuator.

Simple arrangement sketch

Double-acting single-rod cylinder

Define the cylinder geometry

Single-rod, double-acting cylinder. Bore and rod size control the available working areas.

Cylinder bore diametermmRod diametermmStroke lengthmm

Enter pressure and flow

Pressure sets ideal force. Pump flow sets ideal actuator speed and stroke time.

System pressurebarUse the pressure available at the cylinder for a realistic screening result.Pump flow to cylinderL/minUse the actual metered flow where valve restrictions or pump sharing are significant.

What the calculator is idealising

Force does not subtract return-line back-pressure or seal friction. Speed assumes all entered flow reaches the cylinder with no leakage or flow sharing.

Results

Ideal cylinder performance

Extend force105.56 kN

Retract force72.16 kN

Extend speed132.6 mm/s

Retract speed194 mm/s

Extend stroke time3.77 s

Retract stroke time2.58 s

Oil volume — extend2.51 L

Oil volume — retract1.72 L

Use the result as a first-pass actuator check

Confirm load direction, friction, back-pressure, pressure losses, buckling, cushioning, duty cycle and manufacturer ratings before selecting the cylinder.

Method

Ideal force = pressure × working area. Speed = flow ÷ working area. Stroke time = stroke ÷ speed.

Job-file record

Save the calculation, not just the number.

Copy a permalink that reloads these inputs, or download a PDF record with inputs, visible results, assumptions, a sensitivity note, date and disclaimer.

Why this matters

What the result helps you understand

Cylinder force and speed determine whether an actuator can move the load within the required cycle time. Bore, rod size, pressure and available flow affect extension and retraction differently.

What this does not cover

Know where the quick calculation stops

The results are ideal. Seal friction, return-line back-pressure, leakage, pressure losses, column buckling, cushioning, side load and duty cycle require separate checks.

Important boundary

A calculator can show the arithmetic. It cannot establish every requirement that applies.

Confirm the actual equipment, loading, materials, condition, jurisdiction, contractual requirements, standard edition and current project documentation before using the result for design, repair, testing or lifting decisions.

Ask an engineer about this calculation →