Explicit geometry and mean kinematics
Roller-Chain Drive Geometry Calculator
Calculate ideal speed ratio, pitch-line speed, pitch diameters and a continuous chain-length estimate from user-supplied geometry. This page does not select a chain size, strand count, service factor or power rating.
Geometry and ideal mean rates
Ideal geometry
Here p and d are in millimetres, n is in rpm and v is in metres per second. These are nominal pitch geometry and ideal mean kinematics; they do not calculate dynamic capacity, wear or instantaneous chordal speed variation.
Continuous pitch-count estimate
De Renold Roller Chain Designer Guide publishes this familiar center-distance/chain-length selection geometry within a broader manufacturer process. L* is generally non-integer. Do not simply treat it as the installed link count: choose a realizable pitch count and recompute/adjust exact center distance, clearances and tensioning using the selected product procedure. Offset links and even-pitch preferences are product/design decisions, not an automatic rounding rule.
ISO-reikwijdte
ISO 606:2015 specifies characteristics of short-pitch precision roller/bush chains and associated sprockets, including dimensions, tolerances, length measurement and strengths; it is published and under revision. ISO 10823:2004 with Corrigendum 1:2008, confirmed in 2024 and under revision, provides industrial roller-chain drive selection guidance for ISO 606 products under specified conditions and recommends supplier consultation where loading, environment and maintenance vary.
No ISO/manufacturer rating reproduced: the removed generic power table, speed scaling, tooth exponent, service factors, strand multipliers and speed limits had no identified normative/catalogue row. Obtain current ratings and correction factors for the exact manufacturer, chain series, lubrication and duty.
Checked example
p=19.05 mm, Z₁=19, Z₂=57, n₁=1000 rpm, C=600 mm gives i=3, n₂=333.333333 rpm, v=6.0325 m/s, d₁=115.738919 mm, d₂=345.811844 mm and L*=102.153444 pitches.
