Peripheral Speed Calculator

What is peripheral speed?

Peripheral speed, also called tip speed or surface speed, is the tangential speed of a point on the rim of a rotating part. At a fixed rpm it grows with diameter: v = π × D × n. With diameter in metres and speed in revolutions per second the result is in m/s.

The workshop form is v = π × D × n / 60 000, with diameter in mm, speed in rpm and the result in m/s. Multiply by 60 to get m/min.

Where is it used?

Belt speed on a pulley, belt speed on a conveyor drum, tip speed of a fan or pump impeller, working speed of a grinding wheel and pitch line velocity of a gear all follow from the same relation. Grinding wheels and cutting discs carry a maximum permitted peripheral speed in m/s on their label. Use the "Find rpm" tab to choose a speed that respects it.

Example

A 200 mm pulley turns at 1450 rpm. Its peripheral speed is π × 200 × 1450 / 60 000 = 15.18 m/s. A 400 mm pulley at the same rpm runs at twice that, 30.37 m/s.

Limits

The calculator assumes rigid rotation with no slip. The permitted speed limit depends on the material, construction and balance of the part. Take it from the manufacturer's data, as this tool does not suggest one.