Hydraulic Cylinder Force
Push and pull force, extend and retract speed, stroke time, and fluid power from bore, rod, pressure, and flow — metric or imperial.
Pressure times area,
in both directions.
Why pull is weaker than push, and what the pump flow decides.
Force
Push force = pressure × full bore area (π × D² ÷ 4). Pull force = pressure × the annulus behind the rod (π × (D² − d²) ÷ 4), which is why retract is always weaker. The area ratio (bore ÷ annulus) is shown because it also sets how much faster the rod comes back on the same flow. An optional mechanical efficiency (0.5–1) deducts seal and bearing friction; without it the result is the theoretical force at the piston.
Speed, time, and fluid power
Extend speed = flow ÷ bore area; retract speed = flow ÷ annulus area; stroke time = stroke ÷ speed. Fluid power = pressure × flow at the cylinder — the pump needs more than that to cover its own losses. Units are converted once internally (bar/psi → Pa, mm/in → m, L/min or gal/min → m³/s) and the result is shown in your system with a second force unit alongside.
What this does not cover
No rod buckling check for long strokes under push load, no cushioning or deceleration forces, no pressure drop across valves and hoses, and no back-pressure on the return side. Confirm the cylinder's rated pressure and the rod buckling limit from the maker's catalogue before relying on the figure. Inputs stay in your browser; the same four anonymous usage counts as the rest of the site apply.