Chains & Sprockets
Chain Length Calculator
Calculate theoretical roller-chain length for a two-sprocket drive and the next whole even pitch count.
Inputs
Formula
Two-sprocket chain length approximation
Worked example
Using the default values shown in the calculator, the same formula gives the following result. This is a quick sanity check for the calculation, not a design recommendation.
Inputs
- Driver sprocket teeth
- 19 teeth
- Driven sprocket teeth
- 57 teeth
- Center distance
- 500 mm
- Chain pitch
- 12.7 mm
Result
- Theoretical chain length
- 117.67 pitches
- Next whole even length
- 118 pitches
- Approx. physical length at even pitch count
- 1,498.6 mm
Related calculators
Continue your workflow with a related calculation.
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Calculate approximate shaft center distance from roller-chain pitch count and sprocket teeth.
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Chain Speed Calculator
Calculate roller-chain linear speed from chain pitch, sprocket teeth, and RPM.
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Sprocket Ratio Calculator
Calculate chain-drive speed ratio from driver and driven sprocket tooth counts.
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Sprocket Teeth Calculator
Estimate the driven sprocket tooth count needed for a target RPM.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the calculator show an even pitch count?
A practical chain length is usually selected as a whole even number of pitches to avoid an offset or cranked link when possible.
What center distance is typical?
Manufacturer guidance commonly uses a center-distance range on the order of tens of chain pitches; verify the final drive against the chain manufacturer's design guidance.
Is the physical length the same as center distance?
No. Physical chain length is the selected number of pitches multiplied by chain pitch; center distance is the shaft-to-shaft spacing.