How do I calculate Linear Actuator Sizing & Selection?

To calculate Linear Actuator Sizing & Selection: Enter Load mass, Mounting angle, Friction coefficient μ and other values. Click Calculate. INDUGRID computes the result instantly using the formula: F_total = F_load + F_friction + F_accel + F_gravity [N]. No registration required.

What units does the Linear Actuator Sizing & Selection calculator use?

The Linear Actuator Sizing & Selection calculator uses the following units: kg, °, m/s². SI units are used by default.

Is the Linear Actuator Sizing & Selection calculator free?

Yes. The INDUGRID Linear Actuator Sizing & Selection calculator is completely free, requires no account or login, and works on desktop and mobile browsers.

Mechanical Engineering

Linear Actuator Sizing & Selection

Determine the required force for a linear actuator accounting for load, friction, angle and acceleration.

Units:

in LinkedIn

💡Always add 25–50% margin on top of the required force when selecting an actuator. Consider the worst case: maximum load, maximum acceleration, and any side loads or off-axis forces. Dynamic loads during acceleration/deceleration can be 2–5× the static load.

F_total = F_load + F_friction + F_accel + F_gravity [N]

Input

Load mass iMass of the payload being moved in kg.

Mounting angle iAngle of the actuator axis from horizontal. 0° = horizontal, 90° = vertical lifting.

Friction coefficient μ iCoefficient of friction between sliding surfaces. Linear guides: 0.003–0.01. Plain bearings: 0.1–0.3. Dry metal/metal: 0.2–0.5.

Required acceleration iRequired acceleration in m/s². Slow moves: 0.1–0.5. Fast picks: 1–5. High speed: 5–20 m/s².

m/s²

Safety factor iSafety factor on total force. Recommended minimum: 1.25–1.5.

Result

Gravity component [N] —

Friction force [N] —

Acceleration force [N] —

Required actuator force [N] —

Force incl. safety factor [N] —