Pneumatic & hydraulic
This template is split into two tabs: a calculator tab for quick inputs and an explanation tab for reviewing each variable and the calculation logic.
This tool is a quick calculator for pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders. Results are for reference; actual force can be lower because of friction and system losses.
The theoretical cylinder force is determined from the effective area and operating pressure.
Here, D is the cylinder bore, d is the piston rod diameter, A1 is the effective push area, and A2 is the effective retract area.
A single-acting cylinder has one pressure port and returns by spring force. A double-acting cylinder has two pressure ports, so both directions are driven by air or oil pressure.
Because the rod side has a reduced effective area, retract force and speed differ from the push side.
On the push side, the full piston face is pressurized, giving area A1. On the retract side, the piston rod occupies part of that face, leaving area A2.
Step 3 uses the flow rate Q to calculate cylinder speed in both directions. Since the retract-side area is smaller, retract speed is usually higher than push speed when the flow rate is constant.
Step 4 uses the stroke ST to calculate the required air or oil volume for one cylinder extension.
