Conveyor Power and Tension Calculator

Formula

• Te = f × L × (m_belt + m_load) × g × cos(θ) + (m_belt + m_load) × g × sin(θ) × L
• P = Te × v / η
• Capacity (t/h) = load per meter × speed × 3.6
• T2 = Te / (e^(μθ_wrap) − 1), T1 = T2 + Te

About this calculator

Part of our Mechanical Calculators collection. Beams, bolts, springs, gears, bearings, and core ME calculations.

How it works

Effective tension combines friction and gravity components along the belt path. Drive power equals effective tension times belt speed divided by efficiency. Throughput comes from load per meter and belt speed. Tight and slack side tensions use a standard drive wrap factor.

Enter your values in the inputs above and click CALCULATE. Results appear on the right without a page reload. No login and no server upload.

Worked example

10 m horizontal belt, 1.5 m/s, 80 kg/m load, 12 kg/m belt, f = 0.025, η = 90%.

1. Total mass per meter = 92 kg/m
2. Friction Te = 0.025 × 10 × 92 × 9.81 = 225.6 N
3. Power = 225.6 × 1.5 / 0.9 / 1000 = 0.376 kW
4. Capacity = 80 × 1.5 × 3.6 = 432 t/h

Result: Effective tension 225.6 N, drive power 0.38 kW, capacity 432 t/h.

When to use

• Sizing a belt drive motor for horizontal or inclined conveyors
• Checking belt side tensions for take-up design
• Estimating throughput from belt speed and load density

Limitations

• Wrap angle for drive pulley is fixed at 126° (0.35π rad)
• Does not include starting torque, skirt friction, or transfer points
• Single drive section; not for complex multi-drive layouts

FAQ

What friction coefficient should I use?

Typical belt-to-idler friction is 0.02 to 0.03 for well-aligned steel idlers. Increase for dirty or wet conditions.

How is throughput calculated?

Throughput equals material load per meter times belt speed, converted to tonnes per hour (× 3.6).