Chain pitch & travel reference
Compare pin-to-pin pitch with chain travel per driving sprocket revolution. Change an input to explore the relationship.
Input parameters
Set your values below. The table updates automatically.
Comparison results
Pitch is not a complete chain identification. Width, roller dimensions and strength must also match the application.
| Pitch (in) | Pitch (mm) | Travel / revolution (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25 | 6.35 | 3.00 |
| 0.38 | 9.52 | 4.50 |
| 0.50 | 12.70 | 6.00 |
| 0.63 | 15.88 | 7.50 |
| 0.75 | 19.05 | 9.00 |
| 1.00 | 25.40 | 12.00 |
How this table is calculated
travel per revolution = pitch × teethRows use the same assumptions while varying the value in the first column. Input-unit controls change the units used to enter values; column headers always state the output units.
How to read this comparison
Read across one row to convert nominal pin spacing and see the distance advanced in one driver revolution. The driving tooth count is held constant while pitch changes.
A worked example with the initial inputs
At the initial 12 teeth, a 0.5-inch pitch advances 12 × 0.5 = 6 inches per turn. The same pitch is 12.7 mm. Changing to 20 teeth gives 10 inches per turn without changing nominal pitch.
The live table changes when you edit its controls.
Use the interactive calculator to explore more scenarios, units and relevant inputs.
Frequently asked questions
Does this table identify compatible chain sizes?
No. Equal pitch does not establish matching roller diameter, internal width, tooth form or strength. Check the complete chain and sprocket specification.
Why do input controls and column headers show different units?
The unit toggle changes how you enter dimensional inputs. Each output column keeps its stated unit so you can compare values consistently. Read the column header before copying a result.
Understand the method in more detail
Go-kart chain sizes and pitch explainedChain pitch is the distance between neighboring pin centers. Pitch alone does not identify roller diameter, internal width, strength or compatible sprocket tooth form.
Sprocket pitch diameter from polygon geometryThe pitch circle passes through the chain pin centers seated on a sprocket. Its diameter differs from the outside diameter measured across the tooth tips.Chain drive calculations: pitch advance and shaft speedEach driving sprocket revolution advances a number of chain pitches equal to its tooth count. This gives average chain speed without approximating the pitch polygon as a circle.Source and assumptions
Two-sprocket chain approximation and even-pitch selection. Sprocket geometry is independently derived from the regular polygon chord.
Renold — Transmission chain installation & designer guideRead the calculation methodology for model scope, unit conventions and review status.