Sprocket Center Distance Equation and Calculator

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Sprocket Center Distance Equation and Calculator

Machine Design Engineering
Bearings Design and Engineering

Sprocket Center Distance for a Roller Chain of known Length Equation and Calculator:

Sprocket Centers

When the distance between the driving and driven sprockets can be varied to suit the length of the chain, this center distance for a tight chain may be determined by the following calculator and formula,

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Where:

c = Center-to-center distance in inches;
L = Chain length in pitches;
P = Pitch of chain;
N = Number of teeth in large sprocket;
n = Number of teeth in small sprocket.

This equation is approximate, but the error is less than the variation in the length of the best chains. The length L in pitches should be an even number for a roller chain, so that the use of an offset connecting link will not be necessary.

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Sprocket to Sprocket Preview

Sprocket Pitch Diameter Formulas and Calculator The sprocket pitch diameter is an imaginary circle through which the chain pin centers move around the sprocket.
Chain Length For Two Sprockets Formulas and Calculator It is sometimes necessary to fix the center-to-center distance of the sprockets to accommodate existing constraints or mechanical design considerations.