Chain Length Calculator

Formula

To calculate the Chain Length:

\[ CL = 2 \times C + \left(\frac{F}{4} + \frac{R}{4} + 1\right) \]

Where:

\(CL\) is the Chain Length in inches
\(C\) is the chain stay in inches
\(F\) is the number of teeth in the front chainring
\(R\) is the number of teeth in the rear cog

What is Chain Length?

Chain Length is the total length of the chain required for a bicycle, calculated based on the chain stay length and the number of teeth in the front chainring and rear cog. This calculation helps ensure the chain fits properly and functions efficiently.

Example Calculation 1

Let's assume the following values:

Chain Stay (\(C\)) = 16 inches
Number of Teeth in Front Chainring (\(F\)) = 50
Number of Teeth in Rear Cog (\(R\)) = 20

Using the formula:

\[ CL = 2 \times 16 + \left(\frac{50}{4} + \frac{20}{4} + 1\right) = 32 + (12.5 + 5 + 1) = 32 + 18.5 = 50.5 \]

The Chain Length is 50.5 inches.

Example Calculation 2

Let's assume the following values:

Chain Stay (\(C\)) = 17 inches
Number of Teeth in Front Chainring (\(F\)) = 52
Number of Teeth in Rear Cog (\(R\)) = 18

Using the formula:

\[ CL = 2 \times 17 + \left(\frac{52}{4} + \frac{18}{4} + 1\right) = 34 + (13 + 4.5 + 1) = 34 + 18.5 = 52.5 \]

The Chain Length is 52.5 inches.