RPM & RCF Calculator

When dealing with centrifuges, you will encounter two different units of measurement:

  • Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
  • Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF)

One thing is very important, you need to be aware of the difference between the two. If you get it wrong (which is not as rare as you think), the experiment will be ruined.

So let’s look at RCF and RPM in more detail. And determine whether there is any correlation between the two.

Centrifuge RPM vs RCF(g) :

RPM stands for “Revolutions per minute.” This is how to centrifuge manufacturers generally describe how fast the centrifuge is going. The rotor, regardless of its size, is revolving at that rate. The force applied to the contents varies by the size of the centrifuge rotor.

RCF (relative centrifugal force) is measured in force x gravity or g-force. This is the force exerted on the contents of the rotor, resulting from the revolutions of the rotor. It is RCF, not RPM that separates aqueous solutions in the centrifuge.

The centrifuge RPM&RCF can be calculated by the following methods:

Compute Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) or G-force:

Revolutions per minute of rotor (rpm)
Radius of rotor (mm)
Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) or G-force       112 

Compute revolutions per minute (rpm):

Relative Centrifugal Force (RCF) or G-force      
Radius of rotor (mm)
rpm1000 

RCF = 1.12 x Radius x (rpm/1000)2

You can also contact us, we are happy to assist you in choosing the right machine with the right rotor and the accessories. Customized centrifuge speed and rotors are available.

About kethink