Keyway Design Calculator
Design shaft keyways by calculating shear and compressive stresses in the key. Determine minimum key length and safety factor.
Inputs
in
in·lb
in
in
in
psi
Results
Minimum Key Length
1.11 in
Safety Factor
1.8
Shear Stress5,000 psi
Compressive Stress10,000 psi
Force on Key5,000 lb
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the Shaft Diameter in inches — ANSI B17.1 standard key sizes are based on shaft diameter.
- Enter the Transmitted Torque in in·lb — compute as T = 63,025 × HP / RPM if starting from power.
- Enter the Key Width (w) and Key Height (h) in inches — for square keys w = h; use ANSI B17.1 tables for standard sizes.
- Enter the Active Key Length (L) — the engaged portion should be at least 1 to 1.5 times the shaft diameter.
- Enter the Key Yield Strength in psi: standard 1018 steel key stock ≈ 36,000 psi.
- Review the Minimum Key Length required for shear and bearing, the Shear and Compressive Stresses, and the Safety Factor — values below 2.0 warrant a larger key or stronger material.
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