Laboratory calculator · RCF · RPM · rotor radius

Convert RCF and RPM for centrifuges

The calculator converts RCF to RPM or RPM to RCF . Two values are required in each case: centrifugal force or rotational speed and the maximum rotor radius.

Direct answer

Enter the rotor radius in millimetres and the known starting value. The result is calculated immediately and locally in your browser. For the technical transfer of a protocol, RCF or the × g value is more meaningful than RPM alone.

  • RCF → RPM
  • RPM → RCF
  • Radius in mm
  • Copy result
  • No data transfer
2 directionsRCF to RPM and RPM to RCF
rmaxAxis of rotation to tube bottom
1.118 × 10⁻⁵Formula constant with radius in cm
localCalculation directly in the browser

Interactive calculator

Calculate centrifugal force or rotational speed

Select the calculation direction and enter two values. Decimal values are supported.

Revolutions per minute
RPM
Axis of rotation to tube bottom
mm
Insert radius quickly
Result Calculated relative centrifugal force
— × g

The calculator performs a mathematical conversion. The approved specifications of the tube and centrifuge manufacturers remain decisive.

Keep the terms separate

What do RCF and RPM mean?

RCF and RPM do not describe the same thing. RCF states the relative centrifugal force acting on the sample as a multiple of gravitational acceleration. RPM describes only the rotational speed of the rotor.

Core ruleThe same RPM does not automatically mean the same × g when the rotor radius differs.
01

RCF or × g

Relative centrifugal force describes the acceleration acting on the sample at the selected radius. It is expressed as × g.

02

RPM or revolutions per minute

RPM stands for revolutions per minute. The value describes the rotational speed of the rotor but does not account for rotor radius.

03

Rotor radius rmax

For this calculator, this is the distance from the axis of rotation to the bottom of the inserted tube in its operating position.

Why is RCF more important when transferring a protocol?

A protocol that specifies only rotational speed cannot be transferred unambiguously to another device without a radius value. RCF links rotational speed with the actual radius.

Determine rmax correctly

Which rotor radius should be entered?

Use the maximum rotor radius: the distance from the axis of rotation to the bottom of the tube when the rotor, adapter and tube are installed as they are during operation.

Do not estimateThe value may change with the rotor, adapter, tube length and operating position.
Measuring the maximum rotor radius Schematic side view showing the axis of rotation, rotor, adapter, tube and measurement line to the bottom of the tube. rmax Axis of rotation Tube bottom
1

Check the manual The device or rotor documentation is the primary source.

2

Use the actual configuration Rotor, adapter and tube must match the operating setup.

3

Measure to the tube bottom Do not measure to the upper edge of the rotor or adapter.

Important: Do not use a radius from another centrifuge model or a different adapter without verification.

Mathematical basis

Convert RCF to RPM and RPM to RCF

The formula uses the rotor radius in centimetres. The calculator accepts the value in millimetres and divides it by ten internally.

Check the unitIn the formula, 86 mm corresponds to 8.6 cm.
RPM → RCF

Convert RPM to × g

RCF = 1.118 × 10⁻⁵ × r(cm) × RPM²

Rotational speed and rotor radius are known. The relative centrifugal force is required.

RCF → RPM

Convert × g to RPM

RPM = √[RCF ÷ (1.118 × 10⁻⁵ × r(cm))]

Target RCF and rotor radius are known. The required rotational speed is sought.

Search-oriented calculations

Typical RCF/RPM worked examples

The tables show purely mathematical examples. They do not define a protocol and do not replace device approval or manufacturer instructions.

Rule of thumbWith the same target RCF, a smaller radius requires a higher rotational speed.
Example 01

Convert 1000 × g to RPM

Calculated rotational speed required for 1000 × g
Rotor radiusCalculated rotational speed
50 mmapprox. 4230 RPM
86 mmapprox. 3225 RPM
100 mmapprox. 2991 RPM
Example 02

Convert 1200 × g to RPM

Calculated rotational speed required for 1200 × g
Rotor radiusCalculated rotational speed
50 mmapprox. 4633 RPM
65 mmapprox. 4064 RPM
85 mmapprox. 3554 RPM
86 mmapprox. 3533 RPM
100 mmapprox. 3276 RPM
110 mmapprox. 3124 RPM
Example 03

Convert 3500 RPM to × g

Calculated RCF produced at 3500 RPM
Rotor radiusCalculated RCF
50 mmapprox. 685 × g
86 mmapprox. 1178 × g
100 mmapprox. 1370 × g
Example 04

What does 300 × g mean in a centrifuge?

300 × g describes an acceleration calculated as 300 times gravitational acceleration. The corresponding rotational speed depends on the rotor radius. At a radius of 86 mm, approximately 1766 RPM would be required.

Manufacturer-specific standard protocol

Vi PRP-PRO: 1200 × g for 7 minutes

For preparation with Vi PRP-PRO PRP tubes the standard centrifugation protocol is 1200 × g with a run time of 7 minutes. The required RPM is calculated from the actual rotor radius of the centrifuge used.

Technical product page
1200× g
7 minutes

The calculated RPM values are mathematically rounded. Use only settings supported by the centrifuge, rotor, adapter and tube system.

Check before starting

Technically transfer a centrifugation protocol

Converting RCF and RPM is only one part of the process. Other parameters can affect transferability.

Limit of the calculatorMathematically equivalent does not automatically mean technically or regulatorily approved.
01

Target RCF and run time

Adopt the approved tube-system specifications in full.

02

Rotor and adapter

Check rotor type, actual radius, adapter and tube position.

03

Device limits

Observe permitted rotational speed, RCF, loading and compatible vessels.

04

Acceleration and braking

Do not omit specifications for ramps, braking behaviour and temperature.

05

Symmetrical loading

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for balancing and counterbalancing.

06

Responsible approval

Validated internal work instructions and manufacturer documents remain authoritative.

Technical note: The calculator does not provide medical advice or an independent centrifugation protocol. It mathematically converts known technical values into one another.

Related technical pages

The conversion is meaningful only when target RCF, rotor, adapter, vessel and device limits are compatible.

WorkflowProtocol value → rotor radius → rotational speed → device approval.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions about the RCF/RPM calculator

How do I convert RCF to RPM?

Enter the target RCF and the maximum rotor radius. The calculator uses the formula RPM = √[RCF ÷ (1.118 × 10⁻⁵ × r(cm))].

How do I convert RPM to RCF or × g?

Enter the rotational speed and the maximum rotor radius. The calculator uses the formula RCF = 1.118 × 10⁻⁵ × r(cm) × RPM².

Why is RPM alone not sufficient?

The RCF acting on the sample depends on both rotational speed and rotor radius. Two centrifuges can therefore produce different × g values at the same RPM.

Which rotor radius should I use?

Use rmax: the distance from the axis of rotation to the bottom of the inserted tube in its operating position. The rotor and adapter must match the configuration actually used.

How many RPM correspond to 1200 × g?

This depends on the rotor radius. At a radius of 86 mm, 1200 × g gives approximately 3533 RPM; at 100 mm, approximately 3276 RPM.

What do 3500 RPM produce at a radius of 86 mm?

The mathematical conversion gives approximately 1178 × g. A rounded device setting may therefore differ slightly from the calculated target value.

Can the calculator be used for PRF protocols?

The mathematical conversion is independent of the sample type. Target RCF, run time and other parameters must nevertheless be taken from the applicable valid and validated protocol.

Why is the result rounded?

The calculator displays a rounded whole-number value. Many centrifuges can also be set only in fixed speed increments. The usable setting must be checked against the device specifications.

Technically and editorially updated:

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