The basic elements in a rotary-type scroll compressor are two identical spiral scrolls containing refrigerant gas. The pressure variations in the compression pockets of a scroll compressor change the forces acting on the orbiting scroll, and these forces affect the dynamic behavior of the compression mechanism parts. To achieve high efficiency, using a self-sealing mechanism as a tip seal mechanism is very effective. Tip seals, which are placed on top of the scroll wraps, accomplish thrust sealing. This study calculates the friction force between the tip seal and the side plate of a scroll compressor using the numerical model considered in the Reynolds equation. The calculated friction force is verified by an experiment using a pin-on-disk apparatus. A hydraulic servo valve that controls the pressure of the oil hydraulic cylinder applies the normal load for the test, and a DC servo motor controls the sliding velocity of the disk. The friction force and normal load are measured by the force sensors attached to the supporting parts. The results show that the theoretical and experimental results are similar and that the friction is influenced by the viscosity of the oil and the sliding velocity of the scroll.