Torque Calculator — τ = rF sin θ
Torque is what actually turns things — it depends on the force, how far from the pivot you push, and the angle of the push. Maximum at 90°.
Torque Calculator — τ = rF sin θ
How to interpret the result
Pushing a door far from the hinge (large r) at a right angle (θ = 90°) gives the most turning effect for your effort.
Assumptions
- Force applied at a single point
- Angle-solving returns the acute solution; the obtuse supplement is also valid