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Cylinder speed

Pneumatic Cylinder Speed Calculator

Estimate extend and retract speed from bore, rod diameter, stroke, working pressure, and available free-air flow.

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Cylinder speed

Run the calculation

Estimate extend and retract speed from bore, rod diameter, stroke, working pressure, and available free-air flow.

Engineering inputsCylinder Speed Calculator

Enter the known application values. Outputs update instantly as units or assumptions change.

Flow unit
Pressure unit
Use these values for preliminary sizing before final datasheet review.

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.

Cylinder Speed Calculator calculation mapThe sketch links airflow into the cap and rod chambers with piston travel, stroke distance, velocity, and elapsed cycle time.AIRFLOW QSTROKE SVELOCITY vSTARTPOSITION AT t
  1. 01Bore diameter
  2. 02Calculate and compare
  3. 03Extend speed
Extend speed
Retract speed
Extend stroke time
Retract stroke time

Calculation reference

What this tool checks.

Free-air flow is converted to approximate working-pressure flow before dividing by the piston area.

Inputs

  • Bore diameter
  • Rod diameter
  • Stroke length
  • Available free-air flow
  • Pressure

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.

Calculation workflow

  1. Enter the known application values, including Bore diameter, Rod diameter, Stroke length.

  2. Run the calculation using one consistent set of units and reference conditions.

  3. Review Extend speed, Retract speed, Extend time, then compare the result with the component datasheet and application margin.

Assumptions and limits

  • 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.

FAQ

Common review questions.

01Tool noteWhy is retract speed often faster?

The rod side has a smaller effective area, so the same actual flow can move the piston faster during retraction.

02Tool noteWill the real cylinder match the calculated speed?

Use the result as a reference. Valve capacity, tubing length, fittings, mufflers, load, cushion setting, and speed controllers can all reduce real speed.

03Tool noteWhat should I verify after using the Cylinder Speed Calculator?

Check the entered units and reference conditions, then compare the calculated outputs with manufacturer ratings, application safety margins, transient loads, installation losses, and measured machine performance.