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 of force
Defined differential-force scale · derived calculation
Typical recorded range: 6 × 10¹² MN to 7.2 × 10¹² MN.
A little perspective
Earth gravitational pull on the Moon is about 30 times larger on this measurement.
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.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
Moon tidal force across Earth
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
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
For comparison, this page uses defined differential-force scale. The record labels the measurement derived calculation; that status is retained wherever the value is compared. 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 identifying illustration and the numerical comparison remain separate. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Moon tidal force across Earth 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
Go smaller. Go bigger.
These links use compatible weight records, ordered around the selected value.
Nearest lower value · 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.Nearest higher value · 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.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
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.