Force Calculator – Newton's Second Law (F = ma)

Calculate force, mass, or acceleration using Newton's Second Law: F = ma.

About This Calculator

Calculate force, mass, or acceleration using Newton's Second Law: F = ma. Use the calculator above for instant results.

Worked Examples

Example 1: 10kg, 9.81 m/s² (Earth gravity)

  • F = 10 × 9.81 = 98.1 N (weight of 10kg mass)

Answer: 98.1 N

Example 2: 2000kg car, 3 m/s² acceleration

  • F = 2000 × 3 = 6,000 N

Answer: 6,000 N

Example 3: 70kg person in elevator, 2 m/s² upward

  • F = 70 × (9.81+2) = 826.7 N (feels heavier)

Answer: 826.7 N

Who Uses This Calculator?

🔬
Physics Students

Apply Newton's Second Law.

🧪
Engineers

Force calculations in design.

🏫
Teachers

Demo Newton's laws.

🚗
Automotive

Calculate braking and acceleration forces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Confusing mass and weight

Mass: amount of matter (kg). Weight: force of gravity on that mass (N). Weight = mass × g = kg × 9.81.

❌ Direction of force

Force is a vector with direction. This calculator gives magnitude only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newton's Second Law?

F = ma. Force (Newtons) = Mass (kg) × Acceleration (m/s²).

What is a Newton?

1 N = 1 kg⋅m/s². The force that accelerates 1 kg at 1 m/s². About the weight of a 100g apple on Earth.

Net force?

F_net = F₁ + F₂ + ... (vector sum of all forces). Net force = 0 means constant velocity (Newton's First Law).