Choosing the right magnet for an application just got easier! The new magnet pull force calculator from Apex Magnets gives everyone from engineers to DIYers a convenient way to estimate magnetic holding strength, compare specifications, and explore available products.

Whether you're designing a new product, evaluating materials, or sourcing magnets for a custom order, this free online tool helps you make more informed decisions before you purchase.

If Apex carries a magnet that matches or closely resembles your specifications, the calculator automatically recommends those products. Choosing the right magnet has never been easier.

What Can the Apex Magnet Pull Force Calculator Do?

Magnet strength depends on more than size alone. Material, grade, dimensions, and the distance between a magnet and its target surface all influence performance.

Our new calculator lets you explore these variables in one convenient location.

Compare Different Magnet Materials and Grades

Not sure whether neodymium, samarium cobalt, ceramic, or AlNiCo is right for your application?

The calculator supports all four materials, allowing you to explore different grades and compare their estimated holding force. This helps you balance magnetic performance with other requirements, such as temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and material cost. AlNiCo is included for comparison and may be requested by a custom quote request. Product matches come from Apex's neodymium, samarium cobalt, and ceramic catalog.

Experiment With Shapes, Sizes, and Air Gaps

The calculator supports four common magnet shapes:

Simply select your material and grade, choose a shape, and enter the dimensions in inches or millimeters.

You can also adjust the air gap to estimate how nonmagnetic materials, such as paint, plastic, or tape, may affect the force between your magnet and a steel surface.

The calculator displays estimated pull force in pounds, kilograms force, and newtons.

For example, a 1/2 x 1/8 in N48 disc magnet is estimated at 6.16 lb on bare steel. Add a 1/16 in (1.6 mm) air gap, about the thickness of a plastic case or sheet, and the estimate drops to 1.64 lb, a reduction of about 73%.

Find Matching Apex Magnets Automatically

As you experiment with different specifications, the calculator searches Apex's product catalog for magnets that match or closely match your selected size, shape, and grade.

Instead of searching through individual product listings, you can explore relevant options right away.

How to Use the Magnet Pull Force Calculator

Getting started takes just a few steps:

  1. Select your magnet material. Choose neodymium, samarium cobalt, ceramic, or AlNiCo.
  2. Choose a grade. Explore the available grades for your selected material.
  3. Select a shape. Choose a disc, block, ring, or sphere.
  4. Enter your dimensions. Use inches or millimeters to specify the size.
  5. Adjust the air gap if needed. Account for nonmagnetic materials between the magnet and steel.
  6. Review your results. See the estimated pull force and browse matching or similar Apex products.

You can change your selections and repeat the process as often as needed to compare potential designs.

Try the Apex Magnet Pull Force Calculator

Why Is Pull Force Important When Choosing a Magnet?

Pull force describes the force required to separate a magnet from a steel surface under specified conditions.

Our calculator estimates the maximum straight pull force of a single, axially magnetized magnet against a thick, flat, clean steel plate. It also allows you to estimate the effect of an air gap.

However, actual performance can differ depending on several factors, including:

  • Steel thickness and composition
  • Surface coatings and air gaps
  • Operating temperature
  • Direction of the applied load
  • Surface condition and contact area

For example, a magnet rated for a particular pull force under ideal conditions may hold substantially less weight when mounted vertically and subjected to a sideways load. As a rule of thumb, a magnet's resistance to sliding (shear force) on smooth steel is roughly one-quarter to one-third of its rated pull force.

Important: Calculator results are estimates for preliminary selection, not a substitute for application testing or engineering validation.

For additional guidance, explore our N-grade magnet specifications and magnetic unit converter.

Standard Magnet or Custom Order? Start Here.

One of the new tool's biggest advantages is its usefulness during the design and sourcing process.

If you're developing a new product, you can experiment with different dimensions, materials, and grades to identify promising options. Then review the recommended Apex products to see whether a stocked magnet meets your requirements.

If your project calls for something more specialized, our team can help you explore custom magnet solutions.

With more than 20 years of magnet experience, a fully stocked U.S. warehouse, and personal guidance from our team, Apex Magnets helps find magnetic solutions that balance performance, availability, and project requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is the magnet pull force calculator?

Results are estimates based on established pull force formulas for ideal conditions: a single magnet pulled straight off a thick, flat, clean steel plate. Real-world holding force is usually lower, so test magnets in your actual application before finalizing a design.

What's the difference between pull force and holding weight?

Pull force is the maximum force needed to pull a magnet straight off ideal steel. The weight a magnet can hold in practice is lower because of sideways (shear) loads, thinner steel, coatings, and uneven surfaces. Build in a safety margin when sizing a magnet for a load.

Does the calculator account for steel thickness?

No. The calculator assumes steel thick enough to absorb the magnet's full field. Thin steel, such as sheet metal or appliance panels, will reduce pull force.

Can I calculate the pull force of stacked magnets?

The calculator models a single magnet. Identical magnets stacked along their magnetization axis behave roughly like one magnet of their combined thickness, so enter the combined dimensions for a rough estimate.

Ready to find the right magnet?

Explore the New Magnet Pull Force Calculator and start comparing your options today.

Need help with a specialized application? Contact Apex Magnets to discuss your specifications and custom order requirements.