Engineering · Machine Design

Belt Tension, Power and Centrifugal Force Calculator

Relate tight/slack belt tensions through an entered friction-wrap model, calculate transmitted power, or calculate ideal centrifugal belt tension.

Engineering · Machine Design

Enter the engineering model

Explicit properties, geometry, units and assumptions
  1. 1EnterProvide the known values
  2. 2CalculateResults update automatically
  3. 3VerifyReview the details and units
Try an example
Visual modelSchematic · not to scale
Machine Design: friction visual explanationA simplified diagram showing the relationship represented by the selected calculator mode. It is explanatory and not a fabrication, safety or scale drawing.wrap and friction bound the tension ratiotight-side minus slack-side tension transmits power
The diagram explains the selected relationship only. Dimensions, symbols and proportions are illustrative; use the entered values and stated assumptions for the calculation.

Keep every unit basis, sign convention, property source and idealization consistent. Values stay in this browser.

Engineering calculation result

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Understand the machine model

What this calculator is for

A belt transmits power through the difference between tight- and slack-side tensions. Friction and wrap bound their ideal ratio, while belt mass produces a separate centrifugal tension.

1Enter wrap in radians.
2Keep friction-wrap and centrifugal effects distinct.
3Use manufacturer ratings for actual belt selection.

Visual explanation

More wrap or friction increases the ideal tension ratio. Increasing belt speed raises transmitted power linearly for a fixed tension difference but centrifugal tension quadratically.

The governing relationship

T1/T2=e^(μθ); P=(T1−T2)v; centrifugal tension Tc=mv² for entered belt mass per unit length m.

Keep the boundary visible

Capstan-style screening only. Groove angle, initial tension, sag, creep, slip, bending stress, fatigue, pulley geometry and manufacturer ratings remain external.

Quick guide

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose the analysis mode that matches the physical model before entering values.
  2. Enter properties, geometry, loads, states and coefficients from one consistent unit and sign convention.
  3. Use the intermediate outputs to audit the relationship, then retain the stated idealization before applying it.

Calculation method

Transparent engineering model

T1/T2=e^(μθ); P=(T1−T2)v; centrifugal tension Tc=mv² for entered belt mass per unit length m.

The calculator evaluates only the declared relationship and preserves visitor-entered assumptions rather than selecting materials, factors, components or standards.

Worked example

Worked example

With μ=0.3 and wrap θ=π rad, the ideal tight/slack tension ratio is about 2.566.

T1/T2=e^(μθ); P=(T1−T2)v; centrifugal tension Tc=mv² for entered belt mass per unit length m.

Supported inputs

Precision and limits

Analysis, not approval

Capstan-style screening only. Groove angle, initial tension, sag, creep, slip, bending stress, fatigue, pulley geometry and manufacturer ratings remain external.

Standards and properties

Material properties, allowable values, load combinations, safety factors, correlations, manufacturer data, codes and jurisdictional requirements are not supplied automatically.

Units and precision

Use one consistent unit basis. Results retain working precision but cannot be more accurate than the entered measurements and properties.

Privacy

Entered engineering values and results stay in this browser and are not sent to analytics or third parties.