Calculate belt tension from a measured vibration frequency in Hz, or the frequency for a target tension, from belt mass per length and free span length.

Uses the fundamental vibration of the free span: T = 4 m L² f².

The belt’s unit mass from the maker’s data sheet or tension-meter table.

Tangent length of belt between the two pulleys where you pluck it.

Optional settings

Belt Tension Frequency Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the Belt Tension Frequency. 

f = SQRT (T / (4 × m × L))

Variables:

  • f is the Belt Tension Frequency (Hz)
  • T is the Tension (N) 
  • m is the mass of the vibrating belt span (kg) 
  • L is the span length (m) 

How to Calculate Belt Tension Frequency?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Belt Tension Frequency.

  1. First, determine the Tension (N).
  2. Next, determine the mass of the vibrating belt span (kg). 
  3. Next, determine the span length (m). 
  4. Next, gather the formula from above = f = SQRT ( T / (4*m*L)).
  5. Finally, calculate the Belt Tension Frequency.
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above. 

Example Problem:

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Tension (N) = 1519

mass (kg) = 50

length (m) = 2

f = SQRT ( T / (4*m*L)) =  ?