Earth gravitational pull on the Moon
Earth’s gravitational pull on the Moon is the force that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.
Also known as: Earth Moon gravitational force
How big is it?
1.98 × 10¹⁴ MN · mean-separation gravitational force
Mean-separation gravitational force · derived
Typical recorded range: 1.93 × 10¹⁴ MN to 2.03 × 10¹⁴ MN.
A little perspective
Earth gravitational pull on the Moon vs Moon tidal force across Earth: weight comparison
Earth’s gravitational pull on the Moon is about 30 times the Moon’s tidal force across Earth.
FORCE
Earth’s gravitational pull on the Moon is the force that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.
The Moon tidal force across Earth is the difference in lunar gravitational pull between the near and far sides of the planet, which drives ocean tides.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Earth gravitational pull on the Moon
Mean-separation gravitational force: 1.98 × 10¹⁴ MN; derived; range 1.93 × 10¹⁴ MN–2.03 × 10¹⁴ MN.
Approximately 1.98 × 10²⁰ N, calculated with F = GMm/r² using JPL Earth and Moon masses and the 384,400 km mean centre-to-centre separation. The elliptical orbit changes the instantaneous force.
The marked mean-separation gravitational force is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Moon tidal force across Earth
Defined differential-force scale: 6.6 × 10¹² MN; derived calculation; range 6 × 10¹² MN–7.2 × 10¹² MN.
Approximately 6.6 × 10¹⁸ N, a teaching scale formed by multiplying Earth’s mass by the near-to-centre lunar tidal-acceleration difference 2GMₘRₑ/r³. It is not the Moon’s total attraction on Earth and ignores solar tides and Earth deformation.
Defined examples — our methodology
The marked defined differential-force scale is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 1.98 × 10¹⁴ MN
We compare Earth’s gravitational pull on the Moon. The measurement is labelled derived. Check the source notes for its basis. The recorded range is 1.93 × 10¹⁴ MN to 2.03 × 10¹⁴ MN.
Approximately 1.98 × 10²⁰ N, calculated with F = GMm/r² using JPL Earth and Moon masses and the 384,400 km mean centre-to-centre separation. The elliptical orbit changes the instantaneous force.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.98 × 10¹⁴ MN | 1.93 × 10¹⁴ MN to 2.03 × 10¹⁴ MN | derived |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueGravity and forceMoon tidal force across Earth6.6 × 10¹² MNDefined differential-force scaleThe Moon tidal force across Earth is the difference in lunar gravitational pull between the near and far sides of the planet, which drives ocean tides.Nearest higher valueGravity and forceSun gravitational pull on Jupiter4.2 × 10¹⁷ MNForceThis is the gravitational force the Sun exerts on Jupiter, keeping the planet in its orbit.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- NASA — Moon factsMean lunar orbital speed and synodic phase-cycle context.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
SpaceMoon3,475 kmThe Moon is Earth’s natural satellite and the brightest large object in Earth’s night sky.
SpaceEarth–Moon distance384,400 kmThe Earth–Moon distance is the average space between the centres of the Earth and the Moon.GravityMoon tidal force across Earth6.6 × 10¹² MNThe Moon tidal force across Earth is the difference in lunar gravitational pull between the near and far sides of the planet, which drives ocean tides.GravitySun gravitational pull on Jupiter4.2 × 10¹⁷ MNThis is the gravitational force the Sun exerts on Jupiter, keeping the planet in its orbit.GravityNeutron star gravity force on one kilogram1,900,000 MNNeutron-star gravity force on one kilogram is the pull that a neutron star’s surface gravity would exert on a one-kilogram test object.GravityAircraft carrier buoyant support force1,000 MNAircraft carrier buoyant support force is the upward force from water that counteracts the weight of an aircraft carrier, enabling it to float.GravitySuspension bridge main-cable tension200 MNSuspension bridge main-cable tension is the pulling force transmitted along a main cable to support the structure and its loads.GravitySpace Shuttle liftoff thrust30.5 MNSpace Shuttle liftoff thrust is the total upward force produced by its engines and boosters to launch the shuttle from Earth.