This paper is a study for accurate iron loss calculation of a cylindrical linear machine for free piston engine. This study presents that it is possible to accurately predict power loss in ferromagnetic laminations under magnetic flux by specially considering the dependence of hysteresis, classical, and excess loss components on the magnetic induction derivative. Significant iron loss in the armature core will not only compromise the machine efficiency, but may also result in excessive heating, which could lead to irreversible deterioration in the machine performance. Thus, correct prediction of power losses under a distorted flux waveform is therefore an important prerequisite to machine design, particularly when dealing with large apparatus where stringent efficiency standards are required. Finally, it will be discussed about the iron loss in various materials of cylindrical linear electric machine by geometric and electrical parameters. It will give elaborate information about the perfect design and design rules of cylindrical linear machine and in parallel tools for the calculation, simulation and design will be available.