Ball Screw Acceleration Calculator

Lead and rpm turn into smooth travel numbers. Add ramps, mass, and efficiency instantly here. Export reports, verify torque, and tune your actuator fast.

Calculator

Pick the input style you have from your drive or motion controller.
Example: 10 mm/rev means 10 mm travel each revolution.
rpm
Used to compute linear speed.
rpm/s
Set to 0 if you only need steady‑speed conversion.
rpm
rpm
s
Ramp mode assumes constant acceleration between start and end speeds.

Optional load and drive estimates

Leave as‑is if you only need kinematics.
kg
N
Positive resists motion; negative assists.
%
kg·m²
Used to estimate inertia torque during acceleration.
Tip: Use “Download” after running the calculation once.

Formula used

Lead conversion: Lead is travel per revolution. Convert to meters per revolution:

  • lead(m/rev) = lead(mm/rev) ÷ 1000
  • lead(m/rev) = lead(in/rev) × 0.0254

Speed:

  • rev/s = rpm ÷ 60
  • v(m/s) = lead(m/rev) × rev/s

Acceleration:

  • rev/s² = (rpm/s) ÷ 60
  • a(m/s²) = lead(m/rev) × rev/s²

Ramp profile:

  • rpm/s = (rpm_end − rpm_start) ÷ t
  • s = v0·t + 0.5·a·t² (constant acceleration)

Optional torque:

  • F = m·a + F_external
  • T_load = (F·lead) ÷ (2π·η)
  • T_inertia = J_total·α, with α(rad/s²) = (rpm/s)·2π/60
  • P = T_total·ω, with ω(rad/s) = rpm·2π/60

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose a calculation mode that matches your known values.
  2. Enter the ball screw lead and select its unit.
  3. Fill the speed and acceleration fields for that mode.
  4. Optional: enter moved mass, external force, efficiency, and inertia.
  5. Click Calculate to view results.
  6. Use Download CSV or Download PDF to export.

Example data table

Lead RPM RPM/s Linear speed Linear acceleration
10 mm/rev 1200 6000 0.200 m/s (200 mm/s) 1.000 m/s² (1000 mm/s²)
5 mm/rev 3000 12000 0.250 m/s (250 mm/s) 1.000 m/s² (1000 mm/s²)
0.5 in/rev 900 4500 0.191 m/s 0.952 m/s²
Values are rounded for readability. Your results depend on inputs and unit choices.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.