Bearing Frequency Calculator

Bearing Frequency Analysis

Bearings are a combination of geometric shapes rotating relative to each other. We’ve calculated frequencies, based on mathematical models, that would show up if there was damage to the rolling elements of the bearing.

Comparing frequency ranges from our calculator to your measured reading can pinpoint noise or vibration spikes that are outside the normal range.

This bearing fault frequency calculator will support any of our GMN bearings, whether it’s an angular contact bearing or a deep groove radial ball bearing.

You’ll be able to pinpoint if the bearing damage is occurring at the:

Outer race

Inner race

Balls

Bearing cage

If no correlation is found then the issue could be unrelated to the bearings. If you are having trouble identifying bearing issues, contact our on-site engineering support for assistance.

A Bearing Frequency Analysis is an Art Form

Completing numerous system-wide bearing performance analyses has given us a lot of experience in detecting bearing issues.

A lot of the time, bearing frequencies don’t perfectly align.

Frequency spikes very close to what’s provided in this calculator could still signal a precision bearing issue. Therefore, we recommend you contact us for a system-wide bearing performance analysis.

Also, be aware of frequency spikes that are at RPM or at a harmonic of the RPM the unit is running at. This could be from an imbalance, out of roundness, out of concentric housing, tool noise, etc. Please contact our engineers for support during this time. Precision bearing failure analysis can be much smoother and faster with years of experience on your side.

Please note: The precision bearing fault frequencies come from industry accepted calculations. If there are any questions please contact GMN Bearing USA engineers for support. Also, our GMN Precision Bearing Catalog (page 92) has the formulas that we’ve outlined.

Precision Bearing Frequency Analysis

bearing thumbnail

General Parameters

Calculate by Part Number

Part Number View Product

...or by bearing attributes

Series

Bore Diameter

Outer Diameter

Enter your application shaft RPM or Hz (ω)

RPM

Hz (ω)

Calculate Clear

Save As PDF

Application Bearing
Part Number
Bearing Size
Bearing Series
Hybrid (Si₃N₄ Balls)

Bearing Geometrical Data
Number of Balls	Z [Qty]
Contact Angle	α ₀_Ο [°]
Bearing Weight	m [kg]

Frequency / Application Data
RPM	n [1/min]
Frequency	ω [1/sec]
Ball Spin Frequency	f(w) [1/sec]
Cage Frequency	f(w) [1/sec]
Ball Pass Frequency – Inner Ring	f(IR) [1/sec]
Ball Pass Frequency – Outer Ring	f(AR) [1/sec)

Bearing Load and RPM Ratings
Dynamic Radial Load Rating	C [N]
Static Radial Load Rating - Steel Balls	C₀ [N]
Static Radial Load Rating - Ceramic Balls	C₀ _HY [N]
Speed Value with Oil Lubrication	n_oil [1/min]
Speed Value with Grease Lubrication	n_grease [1/min]

Bearing Information
Nominal Bore Diameter	d [mm]
Nominal Outer Diameter	D [mm]
Nominal Bearing Width	B [mm]
Pitch Circle	d_m [mm]
Ball Diameter	D_w [mm]
OD Inner Ring	d₁ [mm]
ID Outer Ring	D₁ [mm]
ID Outer Ring (Open Side)	D₂ [mm]
Chamfer	r_1,2 [mm]
Chamfer (Open Side)	r_3,4 [mm]

Precision Bearing Analysis Thoughts

Failure analysis, even at solely the frequency level, can be called an art form. Much experience can be brought into a thorough precision bearing system analysis. It is good to know that more often than not the frequencies do not perfectly align. This can happen for a multitude of reasons including the accuracy of various tools involved. For this reason, frequency spikes very close to those provided in the above tool may still be from the precision bearing(s). This is where analysis experience can be priceless.

Also, be aware of frequency spikes that are at RPM or at a harmonic of the RPM the unit is running at. This could be from an imbalance, out of roundness, out of concentric housing, tool noise, etc. There are times when a frequency analysis is quick and easy; be thankful for these times! In these instances and the much more difficult instances, be quick to contact GMN USA engineers for support. Precision bearing failure analysis can be much smoother and faster with years of experience on your side.

Note that precision bearing fault frequencies are derived from industry accepted calculations. If there are any questions on the methods used, please contact GMN USA engineers for support. Formulas are also outlined in the GMN Precision Bearing Catalog on page 92.

GMN Bearing USA Ltd. and its partners make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the tool and information contained on this page. Any use or reliance upon this tool and information shall be at the sole risk of the user and GMN Bearing USA Ltd. shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any decisions or actions made by the user based on results obtained from this tool and information.

DISCLAIMER: The data provided on this page is for general information purposes only. While the intention is to provide accurate information, the calculations performed by these tools/calculators are mathematical estimates only and errors may exist in the supplied information. There is NO WARRANTY OR GUARANTY, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy of this information or its applicability to your engineering situation.

Please consult your own engineering consultant before making any technical decisions.

DISCLAIMER: The data provided on this page is for general information purposes only. While the intention is to provide accurate information, the calculations performed by this tool are based on publically available information distributed by third parties and assume the accuracy of such information. There is NO WARRANTY OR GUARANTY, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy of this information or its applicability to your engineering situation.

DISCLAIMER: The data provided on this page is for general information purposes only. While the intention is to provide accurate information, the calculations performed by these tools/calculators are mathematical estimates only and errors may exist in the supplied information. There is no warranty or guarantee, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy of this information or its applicability to your engineering situation. Please consult your engineer or engineering consultant before making any technical decisions.