V-Belt Drive Calculator
Static · formula-only · worked example computed when this page was built · no live data
The V-Belt Drive Calculator finds the number of belts, pulley sizes, and belt length for a power-transmission duty. Example: for a 15 kW V-belt drive, 1450→725 rpm (2:1), SPB section, with a 1.2 service factor, on a 125 mm driver sheave, Number of belts = 4 belts, Driven pulley = 250 mm, Belt length = 1597 mm (per AGMA 2001-D04 | RMA IP-20 | ANSI B29.1 | ISO 6336 | Shigley's MED 10th Ed.).
How it works
Computed from your inputs per AGMA 2001-D04 | RMA IP-20 | ANSI B29.1 | ISO 6336 | Shigley's MED 10th Ed. Anything the worked example does not state uses this calculator's standard default; the interactive version shows every input and lets you change it.
Worked example (Mechanical & Machine Design)
Inputs: a 15 kW V-belt drive, 1450→725 rpm (2:1), SPB section, with a 1.2 service factor, on a 125 mm driver sheave.
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Number of belts | 4 belts |
| Driven pulley | 250 mm |
| Belt length | 1597 mm |
Computed by WorkHive's calculation engine when this page was built; standard: AGMA 2001-D04 | RMA IP-20 | ANSI B29.1 | ISO 6336 | Shigley's MED 10th Ed.
How to use this calculator
- Read the worked example. It uses a 15 kW V-belt drive, 1450→725 rpm (2:1), SPB section, with a 1.2 service factor, on a 125 mm driver sheave and shows every number in the method.
- Follow the formula with your own figures: it returns Number of belts, Driven pulley, Belt length, computed per ISO 4184 | AGMA.
- To compute interactively, open the V-Belt Drive Calculator inside WorkHive's free Engineering Design suite (link below). It runs the same method with your inputs.
FAQ
What is a V-belt drive design calculator?
The V-Belt Drive Calculator is a free online tool that finds the number of belts, pulley sizes, and belt length for a power-transmission duty. It shows the formula and a fully worked example so you can check the method, not just the number.
How is it calculated?
The result is computed from your inputs following ISO 4184 | AGMA. The worked example on this page shows a real computation with real numbers.
Is the calculator free?
Yes. WorkHive is free: this worked example is open to everyone, and the interactive calculator runs inside the free Engineering Design suite after a free sign-up (your work is saved to your account). WorkHive is a free, offline-first maintenance platform built for Philippine industrial plants.
Run it on your own numbers
Open the interactive V-Belt Drive Calculator in WorkHive. Free, and a free sign-up saves your calculations, BOMs and scope-of-works to your account.