Chain and Sprocket Speed
Calculator
Calculate average chain linear speed and driven sprocket RPM from chain pitch, driving sprocket teeth, driven sprocket teeth and shaft RPM.
Your setup
Your results
CalculatedEach driver revolution advances a chain length equal to tooth count times pitch.
Average linear speed only. Chordal action causes cyclic instantaneous-speed variation. This does not establish a safe chain speed or power rating.
How the calculation works
Follow the formula and keep the input units consistent at every step.
average chain speed(m/s) = pitch(m) × driving teeth × driver RPM / 60; driven RPM = driver RPM × driving teeth / driven teeth- Count the pitches advanced by one driving sprocket revolution.
- Multiply by driving RPM and divide by 60.
- Use the tooth ratio for driven shaft RPM.
A Worked Example
0.5-inch pitch, a 12-tooth driver at 600 rpm and 60 driven teeth give 1.524 m/s average chain speed and 120 driven rpm.
What Your Result Means
Each driver revolution advances a chain length equal to tooth count times pitch.
Assumptions & Limitations
Average linear speed only. Chordal action causes cyclic instantaneous-speed variation. This does not establish a safe chain speed or power rating.
Common Mistakes
π × pitch diameter is not exactly equal to N × pitch for small sprockets; use pitch advance for average chain travel.
Questions about this calculation
Which values should I enter?
Count the pitches advanced by one driving sprocket revolution. π × pitch diameter is not exactly equal to N × pitch for small sprockets; use pitch advance for average chain travel.
How should I interpret the result’s precision?
Displayed results are rounded for readability. Intermediate calculations retain floating-point precision; extra displayed decimals do not improve your input accuracy.
Can I use metric units?
Yes. Select Metric above the calculator to convert your inputs. Results always state their units. Tire-size designations keep their conventional mm and inch units.
What are the main limitations?
Average linear speed only. Chordal action causes cyclic instantaneous-speed variation. This does not establish a safe chain speed or power rating.
Method, sources & relevant guides
Two-sprocket chain approximation and even-pitch selection. Sprocket geometry is independently derived from the regular polygon chord.
Renold — Transmission chain installation & designer guideMethod documentation updated October 18, 2026. Independent professional review has not been claimed. Read the calculation and review policy.