Last Updated: October 20, 2025
Calculate rolling resistance force and coefficient instantly with our free physics calculator supporting multiple units and real-time results for analyzing friction and resistance in automotive engineering, physics education, and mechanical analysis applications.
Enter the rolling resistance coefficient and normal force values below to calculate rolling resistance force instantly.
Use the input fields to specify coefficient, normal force, and other parameters for accurate calculations.
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The Rolling Resistance Calculator is a specialized tool that calculates the force that opposes the motion when a wheel rolls on a surface. This fundamental concept is essential for understanding friction, energy losses, and efficiency in automotive engineering and physics.
For more information about rolling resistance and friction, visit Wikipedia: Rolling Resistance and Wikipedia: Friction.
In physics and engineering, rolling resistance is caused by several factors: tire deformation, surface deformation, friction between tire and surface, and energy losses in the rolling process. The rolling resistance coefficient varies with tire type, pressure, surface conditions, and speed. This principle is fundamental in understanding vehicle dynamics and is essential for quarter mile performance analysis and sled ride calculations.
Rolling resistance is the energy lost when a wheel rolls on a surface, affecting vehicle efficiency and performance.
Whether you're analyzing automotive performance, studying friction in physics, designing efficient vehicles, or understanding energy losses in mechanical systems, this calculator provides accurate, instant results with flexible unit conversions to meet your specific needs. For related calculations, explore our friction calculator, power to mass ratio calculator, quarter mile calculator, horsepower to amps calculator, and momentum calculator.
F_r = C_r × N
This formula calculates rolling resistance force using the coefficient and normal force.
Rolling resistance coefficient (C_r) is a dimensionless number that represents the ratio of rolling resistance force to normal force. Typical values range from 0.01 to 0.02 for car tires on asphalt, but can vary significantly with tire type, pressure, and surface conditions.
Normal force (N) is the weight of the vehicle or object pressing down on the surface. It's equal to the mass times gravitational acceleration (mg) and is measured in newtons (N) or pounds-force (lbf).
Common coefficient values:
The rolling resistance calculation is crucial for understanding energy losses in vehicles and mechanical systems. Lower rolling resistance means better fuel efficiency and performance, making it an important factor in vehicle design.
| Field/Application | Typical Coefficient Range | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars | 0.008-0.015 | Critical for fuel efficiency and performance optimization |
| Truck Transportation | 0.006-0.012 | Essential for fuel economy and operational costs |
| Bicycle Performance | 0.002-0.008 | Important for racing performance and efficiency |
| Motorcycle Racing | 0.005-0.010 | Critical for track performance and tire selection |
| Aircraft Landing | 0.015-0.030 | Essential for landing distance and safety |
| Industrial Equipment | 0.010-0.020 | Important for energy efficiency and maintenance |
| Railway Systems | 0.001-0.003 | Critical for train efficiency and energy consumption |
| Agricultural Machinery | 0.020-0.040 | Essential for field efficiency and fuel costs |
Given:
Step 1: Calculate normal force
N = mg = 1500 × 9.81 = 14,715 N
Step 2: Apply rolling resistance formula
F_r = C_r × N
Step 3: Substitute values
F_r = 0.012 × 14,715 = 176.58 N
Final Answer
176.58 N
Rolling resistance force
Given:
Step 1: Calculate normal force
N = mg = 80 × 9.81 = 784.8 N
Step 2: Apply rolling resistance formula
F_r = C_r × N
Step 3: Substitute values
F_r = 0.008 × 784.8 = 6.28 N
Final Answer
6.28 N
Rolling resistance force
Given:
Step 1: Calculate normal force
N = mg = 25,000 × 9.81 = 245,250 N
Step 2: Apply rolling resistance formula
F_r = C_r × N
Step 3: Substitute values
F_r = 0.014 × 245,250 = 3,433.5 N
Final Answer
3,433.5 N
Rolling resistance force
💡 Did you know? Proper tire inflation can reduce rolling resistance by up to 20%, significantly improving fuel efficiency!
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