Moon tidal force across 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.
Also known as: lunar tidal force on Earth
How big is it?
6.6 × 10¹² MN · defined differential-force scale
Defined differential-force scale · derived calculation
Typical recorded range: 6 × 10¹² MN to 7.2 × 10¹² MN.
A little perspective
Moon tidal force across Earth vs Earth gravitational pull on the Moon: weight comparison
Earth’s gravitational pull on the Moon is about 30 times the Moon’s tidal force across Earth.
FORCE
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.
Earth’s gravitational pull on the Moon is the force that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
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.
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.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 6.6 × 10¹² MN
We compare the Moon’s tidal force across Earth. This is calculated from stated inputs and assumptions, not a direct measurement. The recorded range is 6 × 10¹² MN to 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.6 × 10¹² MN | 6 × 10¹² MN to 7.2 × 10¹² MN | derived calculation |
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 forceNeutron star gravity force on one kilogram1,900,000 MNRepresentative gravitational forceNeutron-star gravity force on one kilogram is the pull that a neutron star’s surface gravity would exert on a one-kilogram test object.Nearest higher valueGravity and forceEarth gravitational pull on the Moon1.98 × 10¹⁴ MNMean-separation gravitational forceEarth’s gravitational pull on the Moon is the force that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.Sources and method
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The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
GravityEarth gravitational pull on the Moon1.98 × 10¹⁴ MNEarth’s gravitational pull on the Moon is the force that keeps the Moon in orbit around the Earth.
SpaceMoon3,475 kmThe Moon is Earth’s natural satellite and the brightest large object in Earth’s night sky.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.GravitySLS Block 1 liftoff thrust39 MNSLS Block 1 liftoff thrust is the total propulsive force produced by the Space Launch System Block 1 rocket at launch.