Inclined Plane Calculator

What this tool does

Calculate inclined plane instantly in your browser — the published formula, worked locally with no data sent anywhere. The friction shown is the smaller of μN and the parallel component — static friction only pushes as hard as needed up to its limit μN. The object is treated as a sliding block (no rolling or tipping).

How to use the Inclined Plane Calculator

1. Enter or select mass (kg).
2. Enter or select incline angle (degrees).
3. Enter or select coefficient of friction (μ).
4. Read the calculated result; change any measurement to compare alternatives.

Formula

Resolve weight along the slope: parallel component = m·g·sin θ (pulls the object down), normal force N = m·g·cos θ, friction = μ·N opposing motion; net acceleration = g·(sin θ − μ·cos θ) when positive.

mass

Mass (kg)

angle

Incline angle (degrees)

mu

Coefficient of friction (μ)

The friction shown is the smaller of μN and the parallel component — static friction only pushes as hard as needed up to its limit μN. The object is treated as a sliding block (no rolling or tipping).

Worked example

For inclined plane calculator, the following measurements illustrate the exact method: Mass (kg): 10; Incline angle (degrees): 30; Coefficient of friction (μ): 0.1.

Results explained

Acceleration down the plane (m/s²)

Acceleration down the plane (m/s²) from the formula above. The friction shown is the smaller of μN and the parallel component — static friction only pushes as hard as needed up to its limit μN. The object is treated as a sliding block (no rolling or tipping).

Force parallel to the slope (N)

Force parallel to the slope (N) from the formula above. The friction shown is the smaller of μN and the parallel component — static friction only pushes as hard as needed up to its limit μN. The object is treated as a sliding block (no rolling or tipping).

Normal force (N)

Normal force (N) from the formula above. The friction shown is the smaller of μN and the parallel component — static friction only pushes as hard as needed up to its limit μN. The object is treated as a sliding block (no rolling or tipping).

Friction force (N)

Friction force (N) from the formula above. The friction shown is the smaller of μN and the parallel component — static friction only pushes as hard as needed up to its limit μN. The object is treated as a sliding block (no rolling or tipping).

Net force down the slope (N)

Net force down the slope (N) from the formula above. The friction shown is the smaller of μN and the parallel component — static friction only pushes as hard as needed up to its limit μN. The object is treated as a sliding block (no rolling or tipping).

Behaviour

Behaviour from the formula above. The friction shown is the smaller of μN and the parallel component — static friction only pushes as hard as needed up to its limit μN. The object is treated as a sliding block (no rolling or tipping).

Frequently asked questions