How To Measure V-Belts Correctly

Measuring v-belts can be precarious and like anything – there is a correct way to measure a v-belt. V-Belt Global Supply is dedicated to providing our customers with the knowledge and resources they need to keep their equipment running efficiently, preventing downtime. Our goal is to help customers understand how and when to replace a v-belt, what went wrong with your v-belt, how to prevent frequently replacing v-belts, and how to install your v-belt replacement properly. While we're always happy to help you directly over the phone, via email, or social media, we understand it's not always realistic to communicate with us in these capacities. With that, V-Belt Supply has created both video and PDF resources for our customers to view, download, and refer to for troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and belt installation – at your own convenience. View our video guide on how to measure a v-belt correctly. Click on the buttons below to download or print these v-belt maintenance and installation guides and use them in your office for reference.

Forget about diameter and folding; that's not how you measure v-belts! For the most accurate approach, get your hands on a v-belt measuring tool or a cloth tape measure (leave your steel tape measures and rulers behind). Can't find a cloth tape measure? No problem! Just use a small diameter string or rope, wrap it around the belt, and then measure its length. Make sure to add some tension to the belt and press the tape measure firmly against its back while measuring. Remember, belts stretch, but there's no universal value for this stretchiness. Don't forget to measure the width and depth as well to figure out the exact type of v-belt you possess.

• A/4L Section - 1/2" Width x 5/16" Depth
• B/5L Section - 5/8" Width x 13/32" Depth
• C Section - 7/8" Width x 17/32" Depth
• D Section - 1-1/4" Width x 3/4" Depth
• E Section - 1-1/2" Width x 29/32" Depth
• AX Cogged Section - 1/2" Width x 5/16" Depth
• BX Cogged Section - 5/8" Width x 13/32" Depth
• CX Cogged Section - 7/8" Width x 17/32" Depth
• 3L Section - 3/8" Width x 7/32" Depth

• 3V Section - 3/8" Width x 21/64" Depth
• 5V Section - 5/8" Width x 35/64" Depth
• 8V Section - 1" Width x 7/8" Depth
• 3VX Cogged Section - 3/8" Width x 21/64" Depth
• 5VX Cogged Section - 5/8" Width x 35/64" Depth
• BX Cogged Banded Section - 5/8" Width x 13/32" Depth
• CX Cogged Banded Section - 7/8" Width x 17/32" Depth

For all A, B, C, D, E, AX, and BX belts, the inside circumference measurement follows the letter in the v-belt's part number. For example, an A88 belt has an 88" inner circumference. To find the outer circumference, simply add the specific section's value (listed below). Conversely, if you measure the outer circumference and want to find the v-belt number, subtract the section value. This same concept applies to banded belts—just remember to measure each individual band to get the correct width.

Let's break down how v-belt numbers are coded for different sections:

• A Section: Add 2" (Example: A88 = 90" Outside Circumference)
• B Section: Add 3" (Example: B88 = 91" Outside Circumference)
• C Section: Add 4" (Example: C88 = 92" Outside Circumference)
• D Section: Add 5" (Example: D105 = 110" Outside Circumference)
• E Section: Add 6" (Example: E144 = 150" Outside Circumference)
• AX Section: Add 2" (Example: AX60 = 62" Outside Circumference)
• BX Section: Add 3" (Example: BX50 = 53" Outside Circumference)

How fractional & wedge v-belt numbers are coded for different sections:

For all belt sections 3L, 3V, 5V, 8V, 3VX, and 5VX, the outside circumference is featured in the number and letter combination that follows. For example, belt #3V600 boasts a 60" outside circumference. It's important to note that the inside circumference isn't measured for these sections. This rule applies to both regular and banded belts. To find the correct width for banded belts, simply measure each individual band.

• Here's an example guide to understanding how belt numbers are coded per section:
• 3L Section: (e.g., 3L450 = 45" Outside Circumference)
• 3V Section: (e.g., 3V800 = 80" Outside Circumference)
• 5V Section: (e.g., 5V1180 = 118" Outside Circumference)
• 8V Section: (e.g., 8V2120 = 212" Outside Circumference)
• 3VX Section: (e.g., 3VX520 = 52" Outside Circumference)
• 5VX Section: (e.g., 5VX810 = 81" Outside Circumference)

How To Measure K Micro Rib Belts:

Unveiling Widths:

• K Section= 0.140" X's the number of ribs

Keep in mind that all K micro rib belts showcase their outer circumference before the letter. The tally of ribs comes right after the letter.

Outside Circumference & Rib Count per section:

• K Section= (Example 845K8 = 84.5" Outside Circumference and 8 Ribs)

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