Enter the radial (Fr) and axial (Fa) loads, as well as the corresponding radial (X) and axial (Y) factors from the bearing catalog/standard into the calculator to determine the equivalent dynamic bearing load (P).

Equivalent Dynamic Load Calculator

Enter loads and choose bearing factors.

Automatic Factors
Manual Factors
Typical catalog-style factors are simplified; use manufacturer values for the final bearing number.
Bearing Type e X, Y when Fa/Fr ≤ e X, Y when Fa/Fr > e
Deep groove ball0.191.00, 0.000.56, 2.30
Angular contact 15°0.381.00, 0.000.44, 1.47
Angular contact 25°0.681.00, 0.000.41, 0.87
Angular contact 40°1.141.00, 0.000.35, 0.57
Self-aligning ball0.401.00, 0.000.65, 1.71
Cylindrical roller1.00, 0.00
Tapered roller0.371.00, 0.000.40, 1.60
Spherical roller0.271.00, 0.000.67, 2.35

Equivalent Dynamic Load Formula

The following equation is used to calculate the Equivalent Dynamic Load.

P = X * Fr + Y * Fa
  • Where P is the equivalent dynamic bearing load (use any consistent force unit, e.g., kN)
  • X is the radial load factor
  • Fr is the radial bearing load (same force unit as P)
  • Y is the axial load factor
  • Fa is the axial bearing load (same force unit as P)

What is Equivalent Dynamic Load?

Definition:

In rolling-bearing life calculations, the equivalent dynamic bearing load (P) is a hypothetical constant load that would give the same basic rating life (L10) as the actual applied loading. For many radial bearings under combined radial (Fr) and axial (Fa) loading, it is commonly calculated using the catalog/standard factors X and Y: P = X·Fr + Y·Fa. The factors X and Y are not arbitrary constants; they are selected from the bearing manufacturer’s tables (or applicable standards) based on bearing type/design and the load ratio Fa/Fr (and sometimes other conditions).

How to Calculate Equivalent Dynamic Load?

Example Problem:

The following example outlines the steps and information needed to calculate equivalent dynamic load.

First, determine the radial and axial loads. For this example, these are 10 kN and 20 kN respectively.

Next, obtain the radial and axial load factors (X and Y) from the bearing catalog/standard. For this example, these are 0.35 and 0.65 respectively.

Finally, calculate the equivalent dynamic load using the formula above:

P = X * Fr + Y * Fa

P = .35*10 + .65 * 20

P = 16.5 kN