Friction Force Calculator

Use our friction force calculator to find the friction force exerted on an object given the coefficient of friction and normal force.

Calculate:

• Friction Force
• Coefficient of Friction
• Normal Force

Coefficient of Friction (μ):

Normal Force (N):

N kN MN kgf lbf

Friction Force (𝑓):

N kN MN kgf lbf

Normal Force (N):

N kN MN kgf lbf

Friction Force (𝑓):

N kN MN kgf lbf

Coefficient of Friction (μ):

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Friction Force:

Friction Force:

- - - - - Result Unit N kN MN kgf lbf

Friction Force Formula

𝑓 = μN

Coefficient of Friction:

 

Coefficient of Friction Formula

μ = 𝑓 / N

Normal Force:

- - - - - Result Unit N kN MN kgf lbf

Normal Force Formula

N = 𝑓 / μ

Learn how we calculated this below

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By

Joe Sexton

Joe is the creator of Inch Calculator and has over 20 years of experience in engineering and construction. He holds several degrees and certifications.

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Cite As:

Sexton, J. (n.d.). Friction Force Calculator. Inch Calculator. Retrieved May 7, 2024, from https://www.inchcalculator.com/friction-force-calculator/

How to Find Friction Force

Friction force (𝑓) is a resistive force that acts opposite to the direction of movement when two surfaces come into contact. It’s a fundamental concept in physics that explains how objects slow down and eventually stop when moving against another surface.

This force arises due to the microscopic interactions between the surfaces in contact, including bumps and irregularities on those surfaces, as well as the chemical bonding that might occur between them.

Friction can be broadly categorized into two types: static friction and kinetic (or dynamic) friction.

Static friction operates when two objects are not moving relative to each other and prevents them from starting to slide. Once motion begins, kinetic friction takes over.

Kinetic friction is usually less than static friction and remains constant regardless of the speed of the sliding object.

Friction Force Equation

You can find the force of friction using the following formula:

𝑓 = μN

Where:
𝑓 = force of friction
μ = coefficient of friction
N = normal force

The coefficient of friction depends on the materials of the surfaces in contact and must be determined experimentally or sourced from tables. Common materials have well-documented coefficients of friction.

You can find the normal force exerted on an object using our normal force calculator.