Use the calculator to find the reaction (radial) load carried by each bearing in a two-bearing shaft.

Bearing Load Calculator

Pick your setup, enter the load and distances, then Calculate.

Between bearings
Overhung (cantilever)

Bearing Load Formula

bearing load diagram

The following formula is used to calculate the bearing load acting on two bearings in a radial shaft system.

R1 = L2*P/(L1+L2)
R2 = L1*P/(L1+L2)
  • Where R1 and R2 are the radial loads on bearings 1 and 2, respectively
  • P is the radial shaft load between the bearings
  • L1 and L2 are the distances from the bearings to the radial shaft load

Example Problem

How to calculate bearing load?

First, determine the radial load acting on the shaft. For this example problem, the radial load is 400 N.

Next, determine the distance from bearing 1 (the further bearing) to the radial load point. For this problem, the distance is found to be 10 meters (L1 = 10 m).

Next, determine the distance from bearing 2 (the closest bearing) to the radial load point. This is measured to be 5 meters (L2 = 5 m).

Finally, calculate the bearing load for each individual bearing.

R1 = L2*P/(L1+L2)

= 5*400/(15)

= 133.33 N.

R2 = L1*P/(L1+L2)

= 10*400/(15)

=266.67 N