Normal Force on Incline

N = m × g × cos(θ). Component of weight perpendicular to incline surface.

Inputs

Result

Normal force
424.785 N
Weight 490.50 N · parallel 245.25 N.
  • Mass50 kg
  • Incline angle30°
  • Gravity9.81 m/s²
  • Weight (mg)490.5000 N
  • Normal force424.7855 N
  • Parallel force245.2500 N

Step-by-step

  1. Weight = mg = 50 × 9.81 = 490.5000 N.
  2. Normal = mg cos θ = 490.5000 × 0.8660 = 424.7855 N.
  3. Parallel (along incline) = mg sin θ = 245.2500 N.

How to use this calculator

  • Enter mass, incline angle, gravity.
  • Read normal + parallel.

About this calculator

On an incline at angle θ, weight (mg) splits into two components: normal (perpendicular to surface) = mg cos θ, and parallel (along surface, pulling object down the slope) = mg sin θ. Normal force is what gives friction grip; parallel is what tries to slide the object. Combined with friction (f = μN), you can compute when an object slides: tan θ = μ at the angle of repose.

Frequently asked

When parallel exceeds max static friction: mg sin θ > μₛ × mg cos θ → tan θ > μₛ. Independent of mass!

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