Conveyors calculator
Carrier Spacing Conveyor Speed Calculator
Use this calculator for overhead conveyors, power-and-free carriers, skillet lines, and fixture chains where carrier spacing controls output. It shows whether the proposed pitch can meet the production target at a practical line speed.
What this calculator does
- Check required conveyor speed from target output and carrier or hanger spacing.
- a conveyor system designer needs to validate carrier spacing before fixing chain speed or carrier count
- The result estimates conveyor speed needed for a given carrier spacing and loaded-carrier target.
Formula used
- Required carrier rate = target loaded carriers ÷ loading efficiency
- Required conveyor speed = required carrier rate × carrier spacing ÷ 720
Inputs explained
- Target loaded carriers: Use loaded carriers required at the downstream station, not empty carrier circulation.
- Carrier center-to-center spacing: Measure hanger, pallet, or fixture pitch along the conveyor path.
- Carrier loading efficiency: Use less than 100% when carriers run empty or loading misses occur.
How to use the result
- Use it before selecting carrier pitch, chain speed, load station staffing, or power-and-free accumulation rules.
- It does not check curve clearance, carrier sway, incline pull, or empty-carrier return capacity.
Common questions
- What is Carrier Spacing Speed Check for? Check required conveyor speed from target output and carrier or hanger spacing.
- What information do I need before using it? You need target loaded carriers per hour, carrier spacing in inches, and carrier loading efficiency.
- When is the result only an estimate? The result is only an estimate when carriers skip loading positions, batch release, or accumulate unevenly.
- How can I use the result on the line? Use the speed to decide whether to change carrier pitch, add carriers, or lower the required production rate.
Last reviewed 2026-05-12.