KEVOS® MAKEOS · Power Transmission
Chain Linear Speed
How fast does this roller chain run, and how much does its speed fluctuate?
Calculate the average linear speed of a roller chain and the speed fluctuation caused by chordal action as it wraps a sprocket.
Open the calculatorRuns in your browser. No account needed.
How this tool works
Inputs, units and where to find them
| Input | Unit | Typical source |
|---|---|---|
| Chain pitch | mm | Chain pitch, for example 12.7 mm for a ½-inch pitch chain. |
| Sprocket teeth | teeth | Number of teeth on the sprocket whose speed is entered. |
| Sprocket speed | rpm | Speed of that sprocket. |
Method and formulas
- Average speed (m/s) = pitch (mm) × teeth × speed (rpm) / 60,000.
- Chordal speed variation ΔV / V = (π / N) × [1 / sin(180° / N) − 1 / tan(180° / N)] for N teeth.
- Example: 12.7 mm pitch, 20 teeth, 600 rpm gives 12.7 × 20 × 600 / 60,000 = 2.54 m/s, with a chordal speed variation of about 1.236%.
Limitations
- Chain power rating, tension, lubrication regime and wear elongation are not checked.
- The chordal variation is the geometric fluctuation only; dynamic effects and resonance are not modelled.
- Example values are illustrations. Replace them with values for your actual task.
Typical uses
- Check chain speed against the manufacturer’s limit
- Compare sprocket sizes for smoother running
- Convert sprocket speed to conveyor speed
Who it is for
- Design engineers
- Maintenance engineers
What you get
- Average chain speed (m/s and m/min)
- Chordal speed variation (%)
Interpreting the result
- More teeth reduce chordal variation, giving smoother, quieter running and less chain fatigue.
References
- Budynas R. G. and Nisbett J. K., Shigley’s Mechanical Engineering Design, 10th edition (McGraw-Hill, 2015), chapter 17, Flexible Mechanical Elements (roller chain). Topic reference; no source tables or recommended settings are reproduced.
WORKOS tools are screening and decision-support utilities. Verify important financial, engineering, safety, legal or operational decisions using appropriate professional standards and your organisation’s approved data.
