Calculating Chain Speed

Higher chain speeds (with attendant power) usually create faster cutting speeds. At the same time, there is an inverse relationship between faster cutting speed and the service life of saw chain, guide bars, and drive sprockets.
 

Formula for Chain Speed Calculation

1. Take chain pitch and multiply x two.

2. Multiply above number by number of teeth on sprocket of saw.

3. Multiply that number by saw RPM. The number you get will be chain speed in inches per minute. To convert to feet divide by 12. To convert to feet per second divide by 720.

Example: 3/8 chain, with 7 tooth sprocket.

1. 3/8 x 2=3/4 or 0.75

2.  0.75 x 7 (number of teeth on sprocket) = 5.25.

3. 5.25 x 12,000 (saw RPM) = 63,000 inches per minute.

4. 63,000 divided by 12 = 5,250 feet per minute, 63,000 divided by 720 = 87.50 feet per second.

Got more questions about  pro saw chain speed? Call or stop in.