Free Machine Train Forcing Frequency Calculator (CPM, Hz & Orders)
This free forcing frequency calculator helps vibration analysts and reliability engineers identify the exact frequencies generated by motors, belts, gearboxes, pumps, fans, and compressors. Enter your machine train parameters and instantly calculate CPM, Hz, orders, gear mesh frequencies, belt rates, and vane/blade pass frequencies. This tool is designed to support ISO 18436‑2 vibration analysis training and real‑world troubleshooting. More Simulators
What This Forcing Frequency Calculator Does
This free forcing frequency calculator tool allows the user to enter machine information such as the running speed of the motor, the type of transmission (coupling, gearbox, belt) and type of driven units (pump, fan, compressor). The tool then calculates the forcing frequencies and displays them on a spectrum plot. This helps vibration analysts know what to look for in their vibration data.
Supported Machine Train Configurations
This free tool supports motors, couplings, two stage gearboxes, belts, 2 stage pumps, fans and compressors. There is nothing to download or install. Use it right on the webpage. Bookmark it so you can find it later.
How to Use the Calculator
Use the drop-down menus to select the machine components. Enter the relevant details in the entry fields then press the orange “Calculate Forcing Frequencies” button to see the results. If you want to make any changes, just go ahead and make them. Press the orange button again to update the results. Click here to try it: forcing frequency calculator
Why Forcing Frequency Identification Matters
Vibration data is somewhat meaningless if you don’t know the physical details about the machine. Sure, you can say the vibration is “too high” or if you are trending you can say it has “gone up” but if you want to know what specific problem your machine has, you need to calculate the forcing frequencies. These help us differentiate between a gear problem and a pump vane problem or between a best issue and unbalance. This simple free tool will help you get started.
Not only do forcing frequencies tell you what you are looking for in the data, you need to calculate them before you set up your test. Settings such as Fmax, Lines of Resolution, vibration units and even how you physically mount the sensor on the machine, all depend on the frequencies you are trying to measure. What frequencies are you trying to measure? The forcing frequencies!
Want to Learn More?
Come to our live in-person training classes in Doral, FL. Taught by Alan Friedman (aka the Vibe Guru)
Contact Andre Seidenthal: An**************@****ca.com or Tel: (305) 591-8935 to register or to book a private class at your site or online.
ISO Category I: Nov 3 – 6, 2026
ISO Category II: Nov 9 – 13, 2026
Our Self-Paced video courses are perfect for people who are too busy to take a whole week off for training. Cat I and II have over 100 videos each with ample practice questions to prepare you for the certification exam. You can take the certification exam online when you feel ready.
Please enjoy this short video tour of my online video training courses: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVINF-CQPAM
Check out some of our AWESOME TRAINING TOOLS AND SIMULATORS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZFn7dpI2pg
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Vibration Analysis by Diana Pereda