Free Gravitational Force Calculator
F = G × M × m / R²
G = 6.6743 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg²
Enter two masses and the distance between them to calculate the gravitational force
Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation Calculator
This online gravity force calculator applies Newton’s law of universal gravitation to instantly compute the gravitational attraction between any two masses. Whether you are a student tackling physics homework or a professional needing quick force estimates, the tool delivers accurate results in newtons by simply entering the masses and the separation distance.
Gravitational Attraction in Everyday Terms
Every object with mass attracts every other object in the universe—a phenomenon called gravity. Though the force between everyday items (like you and your phone) is far too tiny to feel, the same principle governs the orbits of planets, the tides, and the motion of galaxies. The universal law of gravitation, first formulated by Isaac Newton, quantifies this attraction and is the core of the force-between-two-masses calculator.
The Gravity Formula
The calculator uses the standard Newtonian equation:
Where:
- = gravitational force (in newtons, N)
- and = masses of the two objects (in kilograms)
- = distance between the centers of the masses (in meters)
- = gravitational constant, approximately
The force is always attractive, meaning the objects pull toward each other; there is no repulsion.
How to Use the Gravitational Attraction Calculator
- Enter the masses – Input one mass and the second mass (in kg). Use scientific notation like
5.972e24for large values. - Set the distance – Provide the center-to-center separation in meters (or kilometers; the tool handles conversion).
- Get the result – The calculator instantly outputs the gravitational force in newtons.
Example: Earth and Moon
Using the formula, the gravitational pull between Earth and the Moon is about .
- Earth’s mass:
- Moon’s mass:
- Distance:
Following the equation:
This result demonstrates how the law of universal gravitation calculator handles enormous numbers effortlessly.
Beyond the Formula: General Relativity
Newton’s equation is remarkably accurate for everyday and solar‑system scales. However, for extreme masses or high precision, Albert Einstein’s general relativity refines the picture: gravity arises from the curvature of spacetime caused by mass. The gravitational attraction calculator remains a perfect starting point for classical problems, while the deeper theory explains phenomena like gravitational lensing and black holes.
Why the Force Between Planets Doesn’t Affect People
The gravitational force from distant planets is extremely small. For instance, the pull between you and Saturn is roughly , comparable to the force between you and an apple a few centimeters away. Only the Sun and the Moon produce noticeable gravitational effects on Earth—mainly through tides. Horoscopes attributing personal influence to planetary gravity have no scientific basis.
FAQ
1. How do I calculate gravitational force using this calculator?
Enter the masses of the two objects (in kilograms) and the distance between their centers (in meters). The tool uses the formula F = G * (M * m) / R² and returns the force in newtons.
2. What is the gravitational constant value used in the formula?
The gravitational constant G is 6.674 × 10⁻¹¹ N·m²/kg². This value is uniformly used in the gravity equation to compute the attractive force.
3. Can I use this calculator for objects like planets and stars?
Yes. The calculator works for any masses, from small everyday objects to astronomical bodies. Simply input the masses in kilograms (using scientific notation for large numbers) and the separation distance in meters.
4. What is the gravitational force between the Earth and the Moon?
The force is approximately 1.982 × 10²⁰ N. This is calculated using Earth’s mass (5.972 × 10²⁴ kg), the Moon’s mass (7.348 × 10²² kg), and the average distance (3.844 × 10⁸ m).
5. Why don’t the other planets in our solar system affect us gravitationally?
Because the force decreases with the square of the distance, the gravitational pull from faraway planets is minuscule—comparable to the force from a nearby apple. Only the Sun and Moon have a noticeable gravitational influence on Earth (e.g., tides).
How to Use
- Enter Masses - Enter the masses of the two objects and select the appropriate mass units (kg, g, Earth masses, etc.).
- Enter Distance - Enter the distance between the centers of the two objects and select the distance unit.
- Read the Force - The gravitational force is calculated automatically in Newtons. Switch the force unit to see the result in kN, MN, or lbf.