A question we often get asked is: “What is the strongest magnet in existence?” This article will take a closer look at this question and explain why there is no straightforward answer.
How is the strength of a magnet measured?
The strength of a magnet is typically measured based on two main factors:
1. Pull force (strength)
This is the force required to separate a magnet from a piece of iron or another magnet. The force is usually measured in kilograms (kg).
Example:
A strong refrigerator magnet can have a strength of between 100 grams and 2 kg, while an industrial neodymium magnet can easily have a strength of over 250 kg.
2. Magnetic flux density (Gauss or Tesla)
This indicates the strength of the magnetic field. Gauss and Tesla are units of measurement used to describe the strength of a magnetic field, where 1 Tesla corresponds to 10,000 Gauss.
Example:
A typical refrigerator magnet has a magnetic flux density of around 100 Gauss (0.01 Tesla), while strong neodymium magnets can reach around 14,000 Gauss (1.4 Tesla). MR scanners, which use extremely strong electromagnets, typically generate fields of up to 30,000 Gauss (3 Tesla).
In general, the stronger the magnet, the higher its pulling force and magnetic flux density. However, it should be noted that Gauss and Tesla are used to describe other things than just the strength of the magnetic field. You may also find that it is used, for example, to indicate the maximum energy product of the magnet in MGOe (Mega-Gauss-Oersted), which is different from the magnetic field.
Which magnet is the strongest?
The strongest magnet ever made by humans (in 2024) is located at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, Florida. This powerful hybrid magnet has reached a strength of approximately 45 Tesla, which is almost a million times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field!
What is the strongest type of magnet?
The strongest type of magnet commercially available is neodymium magnets (also called NdFeB, NIB, or Neo magnets). These magnets are made from an alloy of neodymium, iron, and boron. Neodymium magnets are extremely powerful and are often used in technology, medicine, industry, and household products due to their high strength and durability.
Electromagnets can be much stronger than neodymium magnets, but they are often not relevant as they require power, are large, expensive, and complex.
How strong a magnet can I buy?
The strongest neodymium magnets you can buy have a strength of around 200 kg. That is very strong, and they are also dangerous to handle. The strongest magnet we sell has a strength of 130 kg. If you need a higher strength, you will often need to put several magnets together until the desired strength is achieved.
How strong a magnet do I need?
The strength you need depends, of course, on the situation. If you need magnets for a refrigerator or whiteboard, a strength of between 500 grams and 2 kg is often sufficient. If you need magnets for a glass board, the strength should be between 2.5 and 8 kg.
If you want to make a magnetic knife holder, take a look at this article, which explains what strength you need.
A few other good tips are:
- The strength of our magnets is stated on each product page.
- Magnetic strength decreases with distance. A distance of just 1 mm between the magnet and the metal can reduce the strength by over 50%.
- The strength is measured by direct pull and with full contact to a metal plate.
If you have any questions about choosing the right strength, you can always write to us at info@brisingi.com
