Chain Speed Calculator
Calculate average chain speed, pitch-circle diameter and ideal polygon variation.
Comparison
| Teeth z | Average speed (m/min) | Average speed (m/s) | Pitch-circle diameter (mm) | Geometric variation (%) |
|---|
Report
A QUICK WALKTHROUGH
How to use this tool
- Enter pitch, integer teeth and shaft rpm; enter your comparison tooth counts.
- Calculate and compare every entered tooth count; copy or download the frozen report.
Formula
v = p z n / 1000 m/min; v / 60 m/s; D = p / sin(π/z) mm; variation = 100(1 − cos(π/z)) = 200 sin²(π/(2z)) %
Scope
Matched pitch and constant sprocket rpm are assumed. Ideal polygon geometry omits dynamics, wear, load and tension. This tool gives no load rating or lubrication recommendation.
GOOD TO KNOW
Common questions
How is diameter calculated?
Treat each pitch as a chord of a regular polygon: p = 2R sin(π/z), so D = p/sin(π/z).
Does this give instantaneous speed?
No. pzn/1000 is average speed. The geometric percentage is an ideal polygon measure, not an instantaneous speed trace or a load rating.