This cornering force calculator finds the centripetal force needed to keep a vehicle on a curved path. Enter the mass, speed, and turn radius above to get the force in newtons.
Formula
F = m × v² ÷ r
- m — mass (kg), v — speed (m/s), r — turn radius (m)
Example
1500 kg at 20 m/s, radius 50 m: F = 1500 × 400 ÷ 50 = 12,000 N.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate cornering force?
Multiply mass by speed squared and divide by the turn radius: F = m v squared / r.
Why does speed matter so much in a turn?
Because force grows with the square of speed. Doubling speed quadruples the cornering force needed.
What supplies the cornering force?
Tire grip (friction) between the tires and the road provides the centripetal force.