The magnetic force calculation methods, the Maxwell's stress tensor method, virtual work method, and nodal force method, are reviewed and the equivalence of them are theoretically proved. The methods are applied to the magnetic force calculation of 2D linear and nonlinear problems, and 3D nonlinear problem. As the results, the convergence of the methods as the number of elements increases, accuracy of the methods, and integral path dependence of the methods are discussed. Finally some recommendations on the usage of the methods, including the determination of the integral path, are given.