RPM to Linear Speed Calculator
Convert rotational speed to linear velocity for sprocket/chain, pulley/belt, gear/rack, and wheel drives. Two-stage ratio analysis, chain spec, and all unit outputs.
Chain / Belt / Rack
Two-Sprocket Analysis
m/s · km/h · mph · ft/min
Chain Speed Check
Free to use
Drive Type
Driver (Input)
Driven (Output)
Primary Results — Driver Linear Speed
All Unit Conversions
Two-Sprocket Drive Analysis
Chain / Drive Specifications
Reverse Calculator — Target Speed → Required RPM
Quick Reference — Common Sprocket Speeds (#40 chain · 12.7 mm pitch)
| Teeth | PCD (mm) | 100 RPM | 300 RPM | 500 RPM | 1000 RPM | 1500 RPM | Max RPM rec. | Chain Speed @ max |
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Common Questions
How do I convert RPM to linear speed for a chain sprocket?
Linear speed (m/s) = (RPM × Teeth × Chain Pitch mm) ÷ 60,000
Example: 20-tooth sprocket at 300 RPM with #40 chain (12.7 mm pitch):
v = (300 × 20 × 12.7) ÷ 60,000 = 1.27 m/s
Alternatively using pitch circle diameter: v = (π × PCD × RPM) ÷ 60,000
Example: 20-tooth sprocket at 300 RPM with #40 chain (12.7 mm pitch):
v = (300 × 20 × 12.7) ÷ 60,000 = 1.27 m/s
Alternatively using pitch circle diameter: v = (π × PCD × RPM) ÷ 60,000
What is the difference between chain speed and sprocket surface speed?
Chain speed = belt/chain linear velocity — the speed at which the chain links travel. This is constant throughout the drive and equals the pitch circle surface speed of any sprocket in the system.
Surface speed can also refer to the tooth tip speed (larger radius than PCD), which is higher. For drive calculations, always use the pitch circle diameter (PCD), not the tip diameter.
Surface speed can also refer to the tooth tip speed (larger radius than PCD), which is higher. For drive calculations, always use the pitch circle diameter (PCD), not the tip diameter.
What chain pitch should I use for my application?
Common ANSI roller chain pitches: #25 = 6.35 mm (light duty), #35 = 9.525 mm, #40 = 12.7 mm (most common industrial), #50 = 15.875 mm, #60 = 19.05 mm, #80 = 25.4 mm (heavy duty).
As a rule: smaller pitch = higher speed, smaller sprockets. Larger pitch = higher load capacity, lower speed. Use the smallest pitch that meets your load requirement.
As a rule: smaller pitch = higher speed, smaller sprockets. Larger pitch = higher load capacity, lower speed. Use the smallest pitch that meets your load requirement.
What is the maximum recommended chain speed?
Maximum chain speeds (well-lubricated, standard precision):
#25: up to 9 m/s · #40: up to 7 m/s · #50: up to 6 m/s · #80: up to 4 m/s
Beyond these limits, impact loading, chordal action, and centrifugal load become significant. Use a smaller pitch chain at higher tooth counts for high-speed applications.
#25: up to 9 m/s · #40: up to 7 m/s · #50: up to 6 m/s · #80: up to 4 m/s
Beyond these limits, impact loading, chordal action, and centrifugal load become significant. Use a smaller pitch chain at higher tooth counts for high-speed applications.
How is a belt drive different from a chain drive calculation?
For a belt/pulley drive, linear (belt) speed = (π × D × RPM) ÷ 60,000 where D is the pulley pitch diameter in mm. There are no discrete teeth — speed ratio is set by pulley diameters. Belt speed is typically limited to 20–35 m/s for V-belts and up to 60 m/s for synchronous belts.
For chain/sprocket drives, the pitch is discrete, so speed = RPM × Teeth × Pitch ÷ 60,000 — equivalent to using the pitch circle diameter.
For chain/sprocket drives, the pitch is discrete, so speed = RPM × Teeth × Pitch ÷ 60,000 — equivalent to using the pitch circle diameter.