Motor Speed Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the motor speed calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Synchronous Speed

synchronous_speed = sync_speed

Actual Rotor Speed

actual_speed = sync_speed * (1 - slip / 100)

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
frequencySupply Frequency(Hz)50
polesNumber of Poles4
slipSlip at Full Load(%)3
sync_speedDerived value= 120 * frequency / polescalculated

How It Works

AC Induction Motor Speed

The speed of an induction motor depends on the supply frequency, number of poles, and load-dependent slip.

Formulas

N_sync = 120 f / P (synchronous speed)

N_actual = N_sync (1 - s) (actual speed)

where f is the supply frequency in Hz, P is the number of poles, and s is the slip (as a decimal). Synchronous speed is the rotating magnetic field speed. The rotor always turns slightly slower.

Worked Example

A 4-pole motor on 50 Hz supply with 3% slip at full load.

frequency = 50poles = 4slip = 3
  1. 01Synchronous speed = 120 x 50 / 4 = 1500 RPM
  2. 02Actual speed = 1500 x (1 - 0.03) = 1455 RPM

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Motor Speed Calculator