Vernier Software and Technology
Vernier Software & Technology

Force Plate User Manual

Force Plate

Designed for much higher forces than the Dual-Range Force Sensor, the Force Plate can measure the forces developed during stepping, jumping, and other human-scale actions. For example, you can perform the following kinds of experiments:

  • Observe the change in normal force during an elevator ride.
  • Measure the impulse delivered by the floor during a jump.
  • Measure the reaction force as a student leans against a wall.


What's Included

The Force Plate includes one pair of handles. They can be attached either to the top or the bottom of the Force Plate. Do not step on the Force Plate when the handles are attached.

Compatible Software

The Force Plate may require a compatible interface and software. Choose a platform below to see compatible interface and software options.

Getting Started

  1. Connect the sensor to the interface (LabQuest Mini, LabQuest 2, etc.).

See the following link for additional connection information:

Using the Product

Zeroing the Sensor

In some situations you may want to zero the Force Plate, because changing the physical orientation of the sensor will change the reading when no force is applied. After you have set up your experiment, use your data-collection software to zero the sensor. Also, in the case of experiments involving large impact forces, you may need to zero the reading after one impact has taken place.

The Two Switch Settings – Resolution and Range

The Force Plate has a range switch located on the side of the plate, next to the cable exit. As with any instrument, there is a trade-off between resolution (the smallest force that can be measured) and the range of forces that can be measured. In general, you should use the 850 N range if you can. If the forces exceed 850 N, you will need to use the 3500 N range. In normal use, the resolution with the different switch settings when used with a LabPro or LabQuest will be 1.2 N for the –1000/+3500 N range and 0.3 N for the –200/+850 N range.

The Handles – Pushes and Pulls

The Force Plate includes two handles and four screws. You can attach the handles to either the top or bottom of the plate. Do not step on the Force Plate when the handles are attached. Threaded holes for the handles are available on the bottom. For use on the top, you must remove four screws. We recommend attaching the handles on the bottom of the Force Plate. You may find it helpful to loosen all the screws on the bottom before attaching the handles, and then tightening after the handle screws are started.

With handles in place, you can support the unit by hand for pushing on a wall or other large object, or you can attach an optional second pair of handles for pulling experiments (order code FP-HAN). Note: the maximum force in extension is much less than the maximum force in compression.


Calibrating the Sensor

Optional Calibration Procedure

For most experiments, you do not have to calibrate the Force Plate. A stored calibration is used when the software is started. Select the desired range of the sensor, and then start the data-collection program.

If you want to improve the calibration, it is easy to recalibrate following the same procedure used in calibrating most Vernier probes—a two-point calibration. One point is your zero, with no force applied to the sensor. Set the Force Plate on a level surface. Select the calibration option of the program you are using and remove all force from the Force Plate. Enter 0 (zero) as the first known intensity. Now apply a known force to the Plate. The easiest way to do this is to put an object of known weight on the Plate. The weight should be at least 25% of the range used for the plate (200 or 850 N); for example, exercise weights could be used. Enter the weight of the mass (Note: 1 kg weighs 9.8 N). Do not exceed the selected range setting during the calibration.

Calibrations are usually retained only for the current session. Restarting the software, opening a new file, or choosing New from the File menu will reset the calibration to the default calibration. To retain calibrations across sessions, consult the instructions or help files appropriate to your software. See also


Force range

–850 to +3500 N or –200 to
+850 N, where positive value is a compression force

Maximum non-damaging force

4500 N (1000 lb) compression or 900 N (200 lb) pull evenly distributed

12-bit resolution

1.2 N or 0.3 N

10-bit resolution

4.8 N or 1.2 N


28 cm by 32 cm by 5 cm

Calibration function

  • Slope (gain): 1000 N/V or
    250 N/V
  • Intercept (offset): –1000 N or
    –250 N
  • Force = Vout* 1000 N/V – 1000 N (3500 N range)
  • Force = Vout* 250 N/V – 250 N (850 N range)

Care and Maintenance

Do not wrap the cable tightly around the Force Plate for storage. Repeatedly doing so can irreparably damage the wires and is not covered under warranty.

Suggested Experiments

  • Analyze a crouched jump. Start with knees bent, hands on hips. Do NOT lower your body further; jump up only. Do not move arms. This very artificial jump is easier to analyze than a natural jump.
    1. Use the impulse of the force to find the change in momentum; find the jumper’s velocity at take-off to estimate the jump height.
    2. Use the flight and kinematics to find the jump height.
    3. From the force vs. time graph, determine an acceleration vs. time graph. Integrate to find velocity and position vs. time graphs. Construct a plot of force vs. position, and use that to determine the work done on the jumper’s center of mass by the floor. Since that work shows up as kinetic energy, use the energy to find the velocity at take-off.
  • Repeat the above analysis for a natural jump, beginning with standing straight, crouching down, and then jumping. You will be able to jump higher this way, but the analysis will be more complex.
  • Investigate the forces involved during the technique known as “unweighting” during ski or snowboard turns. Can you easily cut your apparent weight?
  • Take the Force Plate on an elevator ride. Stand on the Force Plate, and record the force of the elevator floor on your feet as a function of time. Explain. Can you determine the speed of the elevator from the data?


  1. R. Cross, “Standing, Walking, Running, and Jumping on a Force Plate,” Am. J. Phys, 67(4), 304-309 (1999).
  2. N.P. Linthorne, “Analysis of Standing Vertical Jumps Using a Force Platform,” Am. J. Phys. 69(11), 1198-1204 (2001).
  3. Haugland, “Physics Measurements for Sports,” Phys. Teach. 39. 350–353 (Sept. 2001).


For troubleshooting and FAQs, see

Repair Information



Item Order Code

Force Plate Handles







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