How Strong Is an N35 Neodymium Magnet?

An N35 magnet is a strong, general-purpose neodymium magnet with a maximum energy product of 33–36 MGOe. It is much stronger than a ferrite magnet of the same size, although it produces less magnetic output than higher neodymium grades such as N42 and N52.

But N35 does not mean that the magnet can hold 35 kg. The grade describes the magnetic material, not the pulling capacity of a finished magnet. A small N35 disc may provide less than one kilogram of pull force, while a much larger N35 magnet or magnetic assembly may produce tens of kilograms or more.

The actual force depends on the magnet's size, shape, magnetization direction, target steel, air gap, and working temperature. This is why the dimensions and installation conditions must be considered before you can determine whether N35 is strong enough for your application.

What Does N35 Mean?

N35 is a material grade for sintered neodymium-iron-boron magnets, commonly known as NdFeB magnets.

The N identifies a standard neodymium magnet grade. The number 35 refers approximately to the magnet material's maximum energy product, measured in MGOe. It does not describe the magnet's size or how much weight it can hold.

Standard N35 material normally has a maximum energy product between 33 and 36 MGOe. A higher grade number generally indicates greater magnetic energy per unit volume.

This means an N52 magnet can provide more magnetic output than an N35 magnet when both magnets have the same dimensions and operate under the same conditions. It does not mean that every N52 magnet is stronger than every N35 magnet. A large N35 magnet can easily produce more force than a small N52 magnet.

N35 Magnet Strength and Magnetic Properties​​​​​​​

The following values are commonly used as reference specifications for standard sintered N35 magnets at room temperature.

These values describe the magnetic material itself. They cannot be used alone to determine the pull force of a finished magnet.

How Strong Is an N35 Magnet in Pull Force?

There is no single pull-force value for all N35 magnets.

For example, an N35 disc magnet measuring 10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick will produce much less force than an N35 disc measuring 30 mm in diameter and 10 mm thick. They use the same magnetic material, but their magnetic volume, pole area, and dimensional proportions are different.

Pull force is normally tested under controlled conditions:

• The magnet contacts a clean, flat steel plate.
• The contact surface is perpendicular to the pulling direction.
• There is no paint, coating, rust, or air gap between the surfaces.
• The steel is thick enough to carry the magnetic flux without saturation.
• The force is applied steadily and directly away from the plate.
• The test is performed near room temperature.

When these conditions change, the practical holding force usually decreases. A pull-force figure from a catalog therefore represents a reference test result rather than a guaranteed load capacity in every application.

What Determines the Strength of an N35 Magnet?

Several factors determine how strongly an N35 magnet performs in your actual product.

1. Magnet Size

Increasing magnet volume generally increases available magnetic output. Diameter or contact area often has a major effect on holding force, while additional thickness helps until the magnetic circuit approaches saturation.

This means that increasing thickness indefinitely will not produce a proportional increase in pull force. The diameter-to-thickness ratio should be designed for the specific magnetic circuit.

2. Magnet Shape

Disc, block, ring, arc, and custom-shaped magnets distribute magnetic flux differently. Even magnets with the same volume and grade can produce different surface fields and working forces.

For motors, sensors, and magnetic assemblies, shape is often just as important as material grade.

3. Magnetization Direction

A disc magnet may be magnetized axially or diametrically. A block magnet can be magnetized through its thickness, width, or length.

The magnetization direction determines where the north and south poles are located. If it does not match the application, the magnet may provide much less useful force even when the material grade is correct.

4. Air Gap

Air gaps have a significant effect on magnetic performance. Paint, plastic covers, adhesive layers, rubber coatings, and uneven steel surfaces can all create a gap between the magnet and the target material.

Even a small gap may noticeably reduce holding force, particularly with thin magnets. If the magnet must operate behind a cover or through a non-magnetic layer, this gap should be included in the magnetic calculation.

5. Target Steel

Pull force depends on the material, thickness, size, and condition of the target steel. Thin steel may become magnetically saturated and limit the available force.

Stainless steel is not always magnetic. Austenitic grades such as 304 and 316 usually provide little magnetic attraction, so the exact steel grade must be confirmed before selecting the magnet.

6. Pulling Direction

Published pull force normally refers to perpendicular separation from a steel plate. In real products, magnets are frequently exposed to sliding or shear loads.

Shear resistance is usually much lower because it depends heavily on surface friction. If your product carries a load vertically on a wall, you cannot use the direct pull-force value as its safe working load.

7. Working Temperature

The magnetic output of an N35 magnet decreases as temperature rises. Standard N35 material is commonly rated for applications around 80°C, but this is not an unconditional limit.

The safe temperature depends on the magnet's shape, operating point, external reverse field, and magnetic circuit. Thin magnets or magnets working against a large air gap may be more vulnerable to irreversible demagnetization.

For higher-temperature applications, grades such as N35M, N35H, N35SH, N35UH, or N35EH may be more appropriate.

Where Are N35 Magnets Commonly Used?

N35 magnets are suitable for many applications where cost, supply stability, and reliable magnetic performance are more important than achieving the highest possible grade.

Typical applications include:

Magnetic Holding Products

N35 magnets can be used in magnetic holders, closures, hooks, signs, display systems, and mounting products. A steel cup or return path may be added to concentrate the magnetic flux and improve direct holding force.

Sensors and Switches

They are used to trigger reed switches, Hall sensors, and position-detection systems. In these applications, the required magnetic field at a defined distance matters more than maximum pull force.

Motors and Rotors

N35 magnets can be used in motors where temperature and power density requirements are moderate. The arc shape, magnetization pattern, rotor structure, and air gap must be designed together.

Speakers and Audio Equipment

Neodymium magnets provide strong magnetic output in a compact assembly, helping reduce the size and weight of speakers, headphones, and acoustic devices.

Magnetic Assemblies

N35 magnets may be integrated with steel, plastic, rubber, adhesive, or threaded components. The assembly design can provide better protection, easier installation, and more useful holding force than a bare magnet alone.

Consumer and Industrial Products

They are also found in packaging, furniture, tools, fixtures, office products, electronic devices and automation equipment.

When Should You Use a Higher Grade?

Consider N42, N48 or N52 when space is limited, and you need more magnetic output from approximately the same magnet dimensions.

A higher grade may be useful for:

• Compact sensors
• Small high-torque motors
• Miniature electronic products
• Weight-sensitive assemblies
• Products with restricted magnet volume
• Applications requiring a stronger field across an air gap

However, a higher grade is not automatically better. It may increase material cost without solving problems caused by an unsuitable shape, excessive air gap, or poor target-steel design.

For high-temperature conditions, selecting an appropriate coercivity grade can be more important than selecting the highest grade number.

How to Select the Right N35 Magnet

Before ordering an N35 magnet, start with the performance required in the finished application.

Define the Working Force

Specify whether you need direct pull force, shear resistance, torque, attraction distance, or a magnetic field value at a particular location.

Confirm the Working Environment

Consider temperature, moisture, salt spray, chemicals, and outdoor exposure. Nickel coating is common, but epoxy, zinc, phosphate, or other protection may be needed for specific conditions.

Check the Installation Structure

Confirm the available space, target steel, adhesive layer, housing material, and air gap. These factors can change actual performance significantly.

Apply a Safety Margin

Catalog pull-force values should not be treated as safe working-load ratings. Allow for variations in surfaces, assembly tolerances, vibration, and long-term use.

Request Testing or Magnetic Simulation

For custom industrial projects, prototype testing or magnetic simulation can help you avoid selecting an unnecessarily expensive grade. Testing the complete assembly provides more useful information than testing the bare magnet alone.
 

Conclusion

N35 is a strong and cost-effective neodymium magnet grade with a maximum energy product of approximately 33–36 MGOe. However, its real holding force cannot be determined from the grade number alone. Magnet dimensions, shape, air gap, target steel, loading direction, and temperature must all be evaluated together. If you are unsure whether N35, N42, or N52 is suitable, GME can review your application requirements and help you select the appropriate material, dimensions, coating, and magnetization direction. Send us your drawing, operating temperature, target force, and installation conditions to receive a more reliable magnet recommendation.