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Belt length calculator

Work out the belt length for any two-pulley drive, or the centre distance a belt gives you. Uses the standard open-belt formula with datum diameters.

How to use it

  1. Choose the belt section and enter both pulley datum diameters.
  2. Enter the centre distance between the shafts.
  3. Read the calculated length, the nearest standard belt and how far the motor must move to fit and tension it.

Questions

How do I calculate V-belt length?

L = 2C + π(D + d)/2 + (D − d)²/4C, where C is the centre distance and D and d are the datum diameters of the large and small pulleys. The calculator does this and rounds to the nearest standard length.

Should I measure the old belt instead?

An old belt has stretched and worn, so measuring it usually gives the wrong size. Measure the pulleys and centre distance on the machine, or read the size printed on the belt.

Read the full guideBelt length calculator → drive-design.html

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