Hydraulic Press Calculator
Enter input force and the input/output areas to compute the output force, mechanical advantage and distances via Pascal's principle.
Input Data
Results
At a glance:A hydraulic press uses Pascal's principle: pressure applied to an enclosed fluid is transmitted undiminished, so p = F_in/A_in = F_out/A_out and F_out = F_in·(A_out/A_in). The mechanical advantage MA = A_out/A_in can be huge with a small input piston and large output piston. Energy/work is conserved: F_in·d_in = F_out·d_out, so the input piston travels farther by the same ratio (d_out = d_in·(A_in/A_out)). This trade of distance for force is the same as a lever. Applications: car jacks, hydraulic brakes, forging presses. Efficiency <100% in practice due to friction and seal losses.
Formula
Pascal: F_out = F_in·(A_out/A_in)
MA = A_out/A_in
Work: F_in·d_in = F_out·d_out
$$\frac{F_1}{A_1} = \frac{F_2}{A_2}, \quad F_2 = F_1 \cdot \frac{A_2}{A_1}, \quad MA = \frac{A_2}{A_1}$$How to Use
- Enter input force F_in and the input/output areas.
- Optionally enter input distance to get output distance.
- The calculator returns F_out, MA and distances.
Case Studies
Car jack
F_in = 100 N, A_in = 1 cm², A_out = 50 cm².
MA = 50, F_out = 5000 N.
Input moves 50× the output distance.
FAQ
Why can a small force lift a huge load?
Pressure is equal everywhere; a large output area converts the same pressure into a large force (F = p·A). You 'pay' with a longer input stroke.
Is energy created?
No. The output moves a shorter distance, so input work (force×distance) equals output work — only the force is amplified, not energy.
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References
Content review: Calculatorism Science Team. Results are for reference only; please refer to the relevant authorities for the official figures.