Conveyors calculator
Conveyor Motor HP Calculator
Use this calculator for an early motor sizing screen before detailed drive calculations. It helps maintenance teams, estimators, and conveyor designers compare whether a proposed load or speed increase may exceed the installed drive capacity.
What this calculator does
- Estimate motor horsepower demand from conveyor load, horsepower factor, and duty time basis.
- a facilities or maintenance engineer needs to know whether a conveyor load change may require a larger drive
- The result is a preliminary horsepower estimate for conveyor drive discussions.
Formula used
- Estimated motor horsepower = equivalent drive load × horsepower conversion factor
- Average horsepower per duty hour = estimated horsepower ÷ duty time basis
Inputs explained
- Equivalent conveyor drive load: Use moving load or supplier-equivalent load used for preliminary horsepower screening.
- Horsepower conversion factor: Use a conservative factor that reflects speed, friction, incline, and drive efficiency.
- Duty time basis: Use the runtime basis for comparing duty severity or load intensity.
How to use the result
- Use it when reviewing load increases, speed increases, retrofits, or early conveyor quotes.
- Final sizing must include belt pull, speed, gearbox efficiency, starts, service factor, incline, and supplier safety factors.
Common questions
- What is Conveyor Motor HP Screening for? Estimate motor horsepower demand from conveyor load, horsepower factor, and duty time basis.
- What information do I need before using it? You need equivalent drive load, a horsepower conversion factor, and a duty time basis.
- When is the result only an estimate? The result is approximate until the drive factor is based on actual conveyor geometry, speed, friction, and duty cycle.
- How can I use the result on the line? Use the horsepower estimate to decide whether to check the installed motor, request a drive calculation, or budget for a larger motor/gearbox.
Last reviewed 2026-05-12.