Inputs
- Bore diameter
- Rod diameter
- Stroke length
- Available free-air flow
- Pressure
Cylinder speed
Pneumatic Cylinder Speed Calculator
Estimate extend and retract speed from bore, rod diameter, stroke, working pressure, and available free-air flow.
Cylinder speed
Run the calculation
Estimate extend and retract speed from bore, rod diameter, stroke, working pressure, and available free-air flow.
Engineering visual
Cylinder Speed Calculator calculation map
The sketch links airflow into the cap and rod chambers with piston travel, stroke distance, velocity, and elapsed cycle time.
- 01Bore diameter
- 02Calculate and compare
- 03Extend speed
Calculation reference
What this tool checks.
Free-air flow is converted to approximate working-pressure flow before dividing by the piston area.
Outputs
- Extend speed
- Retract speed
- Extend time
- Retract time
- Working-pressure flow
Engineering guide
Use the result with the right context.
Calculate cylinder speed calculator from application data and interpret the result for preliminary pneumatic engineering review.
Enter the known application values, including Bore diameter, Rod diameter, Stroke length.
Run the calculation using one consistent set of units and reference conditions.
Review Extend speed, Retract speed, Extend time, then compare the result with the component datasheet and application margin.
Use gauge pressure at the actuator and account separately for downstream back pressure.
Confirm mounting, side load, cushioning, duty cycle, and catalog limits before final cylinder selection.
How the Cylinder Speed Calculator works
This calculator turns Bore diameter, Rod diameter, Stroke length into Extend speed, Retract speed, Extend time. The governing relationship remains visible in the dedicated formula area so the result can be checked against a worksheet, supplier data, or measured machine values.
How to interpret the result
Use the output as a transparent first-pass engineering estimate, not an automatic product approval. Compare the calculated value with available catalog ratings, transient conditions, installation losses, service environment, and a safety margin appropriate to the machine risk.
Limits and verification
Use gauge pressure at the actuator and account separately for downstream back pressure. Confirm mounting, side load, cushioning, duty cycle, and catalog limits before final cylinder selection. The final selection remains subject to the actual component datasheet, applicable standards, and validation on the installed system.
FAQ