Gears

Gear Pitch Line Velocity Calculator

Enter reference diameter and gear RPM to calculate the theoretical tangential speed at the reference circle.

Inputs

Formula

Pitch-line velocity

v = pi * d * n / 60

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

Reference diameter
100 mm
Gear speed
1,450 rpm

Result

Pitch-line velocity
7.59 m/s

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Frequently asked questions

What diameter should I use?

Use the gear reference or pitch diameter for pitch-line velocity rather than the outside diameter.

Why is pitch-line speed useful?

It is commonly used when evaluating gear operating conditions, lubrication, noise, and manufacturer speed limits.