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AGMA 933- B03

AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

Basic Gear Geometry

AGMA 933- B03

AGMA INFORMATION SHEET

(This Information Sheet is NOT an AGMA Standard)
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American Basic Gear Geometry

AGMA 933--B03
Gear
Manufacturers CAUTION NOTICE: AGMA technical publications are subject to constant improvement,
revision or withdrawal as dictated by experience. Any person who refers to any AGMA
Association
technical publication should be sure that the publication is the latest available from the As-
sociation on the subject matter.
[Tables or other self--supporting sections may be quoted or extracted. Credit lines should
read: Extracted from AGMA 933--B03, Basic Gear Geometry, with the permission of the
publisher, the American Gear Manufacturers Association, 500 Montgomery Street, Suite
350, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.]
Approved March 13, 2003
ABSTRACT
This Information Sheet describes basic geometry relationships of gear pitch, plane and angles. It is the work of
one man, Alan H. Candee, originally documented in his paper for American Machinist of July 4 and 11, 1929.
Published by

American Gear Manufacturers Association

500 Montgomery Street, Suite 350, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Copyright  2003 by American Gear Manufacturers Association
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic
retrieval system or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher.
Printed in the United States of America
ISBN: 1--55589--814--9

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AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AGMA 933--B03

Contents
Page
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
0 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1 Gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 Plane of rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
3 Gear center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
4 Line of centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
5 Center distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
6 Number of teeth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
7 Gear ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
8 Pitch point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
9 Pitch circles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
10 Pitch line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
11 Circular pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
12 Tooth profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
13 Point of contact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
14 Line of action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
15a Pressure angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
15b Profile angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
16 Base circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
17 Base pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
18 Pitch element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
19. Pitch plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
20 Transverse plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
21 Axial plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
22 Tangent plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
23 Plane of action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
24 Normal plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
25 Axial plane of action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
26 Pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
27 Transverse pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
28 Axial pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
29 Normal pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
30 Center pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
31 Transverse base pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
32 Axial base pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
33 Normal base pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
34a Transverse pressure angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
35a Axial pressure angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
36a Normal pressure angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
34b Transverse profile angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
35b Axial profile angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
36b Normal profile angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
37 PItch helix angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
38 Base helix angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
39 Base helix angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
40 PItch lead angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
41 Base lead angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
42 Axial base lead angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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AGMA 933--B03 AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

Figures
1--4 Step--by--step development of some fundamental gear terms and
relationships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
5--6 Some basic gear elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
7--8 Development from two parallel axes of the case of two intersecting
axes corresponding to bevel gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
9--10 The analogy between cylindrical and conical gears carried further, showing
the location of the transverse plane and the pitch plane in each case . . . . . . 5
11--14 A pitch cylinder and a pitch cone with their respective planes of rotation . . . 6
15--18 Principal reference planes applying to a pitch cylinder and a pitch cone . . . . 7
19--22 Use of space box to aid visualization of the tangent planes, plane of action
and normal plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
23 Charts showing that for every element in the plane of rotation, there
is a corresponding space element . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
24--27 Step by step development of the pitch figure from oblique, involute
rack elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
28--35 Step by step breakdown of the pitch figure into various pitch triangles,
each involving three pitches, or linear dimensions, and either a helix angle
or a pressure angle. The relationships can all be expressed in a series of
simple trigonometric formulas, collected in tabular form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
36--37 Development of the pitch figure shown in perspective into a pitch diagram
on which all lines and angles are shown in the true magnitude . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Tables
1 General classification of gears . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
2 Two given pitches determine angles and planes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3 One pitch determined by given second pitch and angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
4 Angles determined by two given pitches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
5 Two given pitches determine third pitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
6 Two given angles determine third angle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

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AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AGMA 933--B03

Foreword
[The foreword, footnotes and annexes, if any, in this document are provided for
informational purposes only and are not to be construed as a part of AGMA Information
Sheet 933--B03, Basic Gear Geometry.]

A paper entitled Gear Geometry, by Allan H. Candee, Mechanical Engineer, Gleason

Works, was presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Gear Manufacturers
Association in May, 1929. The paper was an extension of the author’s ideas presented in
ten blueprinted pages of diagrams, terms, and definitions to members of the AGMA
Nomenclature Committee in April, 1928, under the title Universal Gear Geometry.

The paper of 1929 was reproduced in AMERICAN MACHINIST, July 4 and 11, 1929. Later,
in April, 1936, it was adopted by AGMA as a Recommended Practice, and reprints were
distributed to members. At that time, the letter symbols for angles were revised to conform
to the standardization then under way in the Nomenclature Committee.

The 1959 publication of AGMA 115.01, Basic Gear Geometry, was essentially a reissue of
the 1929 paper by Allan H. Candee. The original wording was found to conform without
need of change to the terms and definitions in AGMA 112.03, Gear Nomenclature. Only
minor editorial improvements were made, and a new term was introduced, profile angle,
which is explained in the definitions.

This information serves as an introduction to and explanation of the geometrical

relationships in gear teeth, but it does not in any way modify or affect standard gear
nomenclature which is the outcome of conscientious efforts by the AGMA Nomenclature
Committee which began more than seventy years ago.

The contents were reaffirmed by the AGMA Nomenclature Committee in 1988. It was then
submitted to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a proposed national
standard. ANSI approved AGMA 115.01 as a national standard on September 7, 1989.

In 2000, the Technical Division Executive Committee voted to withdraw ANSI/AGMA 115.01
as a national standard and to return its contents back as an AGMA information sheet,
duplicating Candee’s original work. In a few instances, words have been deleted, ...., and
added (italic), in an effort to make the meaning clear to today’s reader.

The first draft of AGMA 933--B03 was made in May, 2000. It was approved by the AGMA
Technical Division Executive Committee on October 20, 2002.

Suggestions for improvement of this document will be welcome. They should be sent to the
American Gear Manufacturers Association, 500 Montgomery Street, Suite 350, Alexandria,
Virginia 22314.

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AGMA 933--B03 AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

PERSONNEL of the AGMA Nomenclature Committee, January 1959

Chairman: Granger Davenport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gould & Eberhardt Div., Norton Co.

Vice Chairman: Paul M. Dean, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . General Electric Co.

ACTIVE MEMBERS

A.H. Candee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Honorary Member

W. Coleman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gleason Works
H.C. Gray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Falk Corporation
L.D. Martin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rochester Gear Service

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AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
American Gear Manufacturers
Association --
Basic Gear Geometry
0. Scope
A clear and accurate understanding of the elements
involved is indispensable to all who deal with the
design, dimensioning, cutting and measurement of
gear teeth. The information here presented has
been collected and arranged with the idea of making
the important geometrical relationships as easy to
see as possible with the intention of providing a
sound basis for a thoroughly logical and comprehen-
sive system of gear geometry.
The accurate exchange of ideas requires the exact
definition and use of terms. Nowhere is this true to a
greater degree than in the case of the present
subject. Therefore, we will begin with a definition.
1. GEARS are machine elements provided with
engaging teeth which are of such shape that motion
is transmitted in the manner of smooth curves rolling
together without slipping.
The rolling curves are called pitch curves because
on them the pitch or spacing of the teeth is the same
in both of two engaging gears. Here, as in some
other branches of mechanics, pitch means interval
between members of a series of equally spaced
elements like the pitch of a row of rivets.
Table 1 -- General classification of gears
Pitch Relation
surfaces of axes
Cylinders Parallel
Cones Intersecting
Plane (Rolling with cylinder)
Plane (Rolling with cone)
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AGMA 933--B03
Usually, .... the motion transmitted is either rotation
or straight line translation at a constant velocity ratio.
When two axes of rotation are in the same plane we
have pitch surfaces corresponding to the pitch
curves. The pitch surfaces, like the pitch curves, roll
on each other and in addition are tangent along a
straight--line element. Such surfaces may be
cylinders, cones or planes.
These considerations lead up to a classification of
the various types of gears, as outlined in table 1. Of
course, there are also gears with axes not in the
same plane. The special features of such gears will
not be dealt with in this paper.
Most of the accompanying diagrams apply com-
pletely only to helical involute gears and especially to
the corresponding oblique--tooth racks. The rela-
tionships between angles, however, are true for any
type of gear.
In order to show how it is possible to develop a
self--consistent system of gear terms, definitions,
and relationships, it is best to start at the beginning
and advance step by step. This will seem rather
elementary at first, but it is the most satisfactory
method to follow.
The original gear problem may be stated like this:
Given two shafts, their relative position, and the
speeds at which they are to rotate: to provide a pair of
gears which will enable one shaft to drive the other at
the required velocity ratio.
2. A PLANE OF ROTATION is any plane perpendic-
ular to a gear axis. The complete geometry for a pair
of spur gears can be confined to a single plane of
rotation.
Direction Name of gear
of teeth
Parallel to axis Spur
Oblique to axis Helical or herringbone
Intersecting axis Straight--tooth bevel
Offset from axis Spiral bevel
Parallel to axis Spur rack
Oblique to axis Helical rack
Intersecting axis Straight--tooth crown gear
Offset from axis Spiral crown gear
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AGMA 933--B03 AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

3. A GEAR CENTER is the point of intersection of
the gear axis in a plane of rotation.
4. THE LINE OF CENTERS (figure 1) connects two
gear centers in a plane of rotation.
5. THE CENTER DISTANCE is the shortest
distance between two gear axes. In the case of spur
gears, that is for parallel axes, it is the distance
between two gear centers in a plane of rotation.
6. THE NUMBER OF TEETH is the total number of
teeth contained in the circumference of a gear.

s RPM
Shaft No. 1 s RPM n Teeth

Line of
centers Center
Center
distance Pitch distance
point
R

S RPM
N Teeth
Shaft No. 2 S RPM

Gear ratio = s = N R
n=r
S
Figure 1 Figure 2

Pitch n Teeth
radius

Center r

Pitch Pitch Pitch

circles circles

Pitch Pitch
point point
Pitch
radius Line of
centers
R
Center
N Teeth
Figure 3 Figure 4

Figures 1--4 -- Step--by--step development of some fundamental gear terms and relationships

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AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AGMA 933--B03

7. THE GEAR RATIO is the ratio of the numbers of
teeth in two engaging gears. It is also the ratio of the
gear speeds and of the gear (reference pitch)
diameters.
8. THE PITCH POINT (figure 2) is on the line of
centers and divides the center distance in the same
proportions as the gear ratio.
9. THE PITCH CIRCLES (figure 3) of two engaging
gears pass through the pitch point, are tangent to
each other, and roll together without slipping.
Definitions 8 and 9 refer strictly only to (parallel axes)
gears with axes in the same plane.
10. THE PITCH LINE (figure 6) passes through the
pitch point and is perpendicular to the line of centers.
It is the line in the rack that rolls with the gear pitch
circle.

Pitch Pitch
Rack line

Pitch Pitch
point
Line of
centers
Pitch
radius
Pitch
Gear circle
Center

Figure 5

Line of Base
action pitch
Pitch
Pitch
point
Involute curve
Pressure Pitch line
angle
Rack

Tooth
profiles
Base
pitch

Profile
angle Pitch
Tangent
line circle

Line of Base
centers circle

Gear Center

Involute teeth

Figure 6

Figures 5 and 6 -- Some basic gear elements

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AGMA 933--B03
11. THE CIRCULAR PITCH (figure 4) is the distance
on the pitch circle (or pitch line) between similar
sides of adjacent teeth. The circular pitch must be
the same on the pitch circles of two engaging gears.
In order to save time and space, circular pitch will be
referred to in this paper simply as pitch.
12. A TOOTH PROFILE is the curve forming the
side of a tooth section.
13. A POINT OF CONTACT is the point at which
engaging tooth profiles touch each other.
14. THE LINE OF ACTION (figure 6) passes
through the pitch point and is normal to the tooth
profile. It is the line along which the tooth pressure
acts. With involute tooth profiles the line of action is
also the path of the point of contact.
15a. THE PRESSURE ANGLE (figure 6) is the
angle between the line of action and the pitch line.
The pressure angle is so named because it indicates
the direction of the pressure or force between
engaging teeth.
15b. THE PROFILE ANGLE (figure 6) is the angle at
the pitch points between a tooth profile and the line of
centers. It is equal in size to the pressure angle. (For
additional clarification of pressure and profile
angles, see ANSI/AGMA 1012--F90.)
16. THE BASE CIRCLE (figure 6) is the circle from
which involute tooth profiles are described and is
tangent to the line of action.
17. THE BASE PITCH (figure 6) is the pitch
measured on the base circle. Involute curves with
the same base circle and of the same hand are
parallel curves, and base pitch can be measured on
any line of action tangent to the base circle. In an
involute rack similar sides of the teeth consist of a
series of equally spaced parallel lines, and the base
pitch is the perpendicular distance between such
lines.
Attention is now called to the way in which the
foregoing definitions form a logical series, advancing
one step at a time, each definition being based upon
those which preceded it. The result is a fairly
complete description of the geometrical elements
involved in gear teeth. Except perhaps for the
method of presentation there is nothing new in this
list of definitions. The elements which have been
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AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
illustrated and defined are found referred to in
various text books dealing with gears, but it should
be noted that all the terms so far considered are
contained in a single plane of rotation. In other
words, only plane geometry has been involved. The
detailed information given in text books usually stops
at about this point. It is the relationships lying
beyond, when the third dimension in space is
considered, that is proposed to examine.
One of the next steps in order is to recognize the
direct analogy between spur and bevel gears. This
analogy can be easily overlooked by those who deal
with only one form of gear, but it becomes very useful
when developing a general system which is as far as
possible to be capable of application to all types of
gears.
In figure 7 is illustrated how in the earlier diagrams
we started with two parallel axes separated by a
given center distance. In figure 8 there is the exactly
corresponding case for bevel gears, that is, two
intersecting axes separated by a given shaft angle.
Quite as before, the pitch point is located so that the
radii of rotation about the respective axes, meaning
of course the pitch radii, are in the same proportions
as the gear ratio. Then the line connecting the pitch
point to the point of intersection of the axes divides
the shaft angle into the two respective pitch angles.
Definitions for the special elements in bevel gears
can readily be constructed, but we will consider in
this .... (information sheet) only definitions of terms
which have general interest.
18. THE PITCH ELEMENT is the line connecting the
pitch point with the point of intersection of the gear
axes. In the case of parallel axes, which meet at
infinity, the pitch element is parallel to them. The
pitch element is an element of the pitch surface of
each gear, and is the line of tangency between two
pitch surfaces.
19. THE PITCH PLANE is tangent to the pitch
surfaces and contains the pitch element. It is in fact
the pitch surface of the rack or crown gear.
20. THE TRANSVERSE PLANE is perpendicular to
the pitch element. Also, of course, it is perpendicular
to the pitch plane. In the case of cylindrical gears the
transverse plane and plane of rotation coincide; but
with conical gears they are separate.
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AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AGMA 933--B03

spur gears. This similarity makes possible a general

Axis no. 1 system of reference planes which can be adapted to
all possible cases.

Pitch
Transverse plane
radius
Center
distance
Pitch
Pitch
radius
point
Pitch
radius
Pitch plane

Axis no. 2 Pitch Pitch

Figure 7 -- Parallel axes element point

Axis no. 1
Pitch
radius

Cylindrical gears
Pitch Shaft Figure 9 -- Parallel axes
angle angle

Pitch radius

Transverse
plane Pitch
Pitch Pitch
point plane
angle
Pitch
radius Pitch
radius
Pitch point
Axis no. 2
Figure 8 -- Intersecting axes
Pitch
element

Figures 7 and 8 -- Development from two Pitch

parallel axes of the case of two intersecting
axes corresponding to bevel gears
In figure 10 the points of intersection of the gear axes
in the transverse plane are virtual centers, and the
circles struck from them are virtual pitch circles. The
process of laying--out gear teeth in the transverse
plane, however, is the same for bevel gears as for
Apex
radius
Conical gears
Figure 10 -- Intersecting axes
Figures 9 and 10 -- The analogy between
cylindrical and conical gears carried further,
showing the location of the transverse plane
and the pitch plane in each case

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AGMA 933--B03
Figures 11 to 14 illustrate a pitch cylinder and a pitch
cone, with their respective planes of rotation, and
require no explanation.
Figures 15 to 18 show the important principal planes
suitable for application to any form of gear, and to
which all angles and directions are to be referred. In
addition to the pitch plane and transverse plane
already described, there is a third reference plane.
21. THE AXIAL PLANE (figures 15 and 16) contains
the gear axis and is perpendicular to the pitch plane.
These three planes are all mutually perpendicular,
and it should be observed that they correspond to the
Figure 11 -- Pitch cylinder
Figure 13 -- Plane of rotation
Figures 11 -- 14 -- A pitch cylinder and a pitch cone with their respective planes of rotation
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AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION
three reference planes always used in mathematics
for locating positions in space.
22. THE TANGENT PLANE is tangent to the tooth
surface at a point of contact with an engaging tooth.
With involute teeth the tangent plane is actually the
side of a tooth in the rack, and its intersection with the
transverse plane is the line forming the side of a tooth
of the transverse rack section. The tangent plane
may be parallel to the pitch element, corresponding
to straight or spur teeth, as shown in figure 19, or it
may be oblique to the pitch element as in figure 21,
indicating helical or spiral teeth.
Figure 12 -- Pitch cone
Figure 14 -- Plane of rotation
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Pitch plane Pitch plane

Transverse
plane Axial plane Transverse
plane
Axial plane

Figure 15 -- Reference planes Figure 16 -- Reference planes

Axial plane Axial plane

Pitch
plane
Pitch
plane

Transverse
plane
Transverse
plane
Figure 17 -- Reference solid Figure 18 -- Reference solid

Figures 15 -- 18 -- Principal reference planes applying to a pitch cylinder and a pitch cone

23. THE PLANE OF ACTION (figure 20) contains
the line of action in the transverse plane and the pitch
element in the pitch plane. It is perpendicular both to
the transverse plane and to the tangent plane. In the
case of a cylindrical gear the plane of action is
parallel to the axis. It is tangent either to a base
cylinder or a base cone.
24. THE NORMAL PLANE (figure 22) is perpendic-
ular to the pitch plane and to the tangent plane, that

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is, it is normal to the tooth. In a cylindrical gear with normal to the tooth spiral on the pitch cone or in the
helical teeth the normal plane is normal to the helix pitch plane of the crown gear.
on the pitch cylinder, and in spiral bevel gears it is

Figure 19 -- Tangent plane Figure 20 -- Plane of action

Figure 21 -- Tangent plane (oblique) Figure 22 -- Normal plane

Figures 19--22 -- Use of space box to aid visualization of the tangent planes, plane of action and
normal plane

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It is now time to point out that for every element in the It should not be necessary to explain that the
plane diagram of figure 6 there is a corresponding dimensions and angles for involute teeth can be
space element. This is illustrated in detail in figure determined most easily in the rack. These dimen-
23. For every point in the transverse plane there is a sions are the same in the rack as in a gear, and the
corresponding line in space, and for every line or rack is composed entirely of planes, which makes it
curve in the plane there is a corresponding plane or comparatively simple to diagram and calculate the
surface in space. In the case of a cylindrical spur elements.
gear all such planes and surfaces are parallel to the
axis, and all transverse sections are identical, so that In figures 24 and 25 the three principal rack sections
any one is sufficient to give all geometrical relation- are illustrated. The transverse section is the one
ships. When, however, the tangent plane is oblique usually considered for gears. Worm thread design is
to the axis, the case is not so simple. usually based on the axial section. In any oblique
tooth gear the normal section is of important interest.
In all of the three principal planes, which are the
transverse
2 axial
6 normal
3 there are corresponding rack sections and ele-
6 ments. For instance, in each plane there are
7 11 3 10 7
a pitch line
5 11 a tangent line
5 8
2 a line of action
4 pressure angle (and profile angle)
1 pitch
base pitch, etc.
All of the linear dimensions, which, as is seen,
consist of pitch values, and all of the angles involved
in the various involute rack sections can be com-
bined into a single space figure which is here called
the “pitch figure”. The position of this figure in relation
Plane geometry Space geometry to the reference planes which have been established
Center 1 Axis is shown in figure 26, and in figure 27 an enlarged
Line of centers 2 Axial plane view is given.
Pitch point 3 Pitch element A correct and complete mental picture of this pitch
Pitch circle 4 Pitch surface (cylin- figure can be obtained by giving attention to the
der, cone) following facts. In the involute rack similar sides of
Pitch line 5 Pitch plane the teeth consist of a series of equally spaced
Tangent line 6 Tangent plane parallel lines. Each of the pitch values which have
Line of action 7 Plane of action been referred to above is simply the distance
Base circle 8 Base cylinder (or between two of these parallel lines, or parallel
cone) planes, taken in some definite direction. Thus, in
Involute curve 9 Involute surface figure 27, point O lies in one of the parallel planes of
(straight or helical)
the rack, and points X, Y, Z, lie in the next parallel
Tooth profile 10 Tooth surface
plane back of it. In the transverse section OY is the
Point of contact 11 Line of contact
distance in the direction of the pitch line between two
Figure 23 -- Charts showing that for every of the parallel tangent lines, and is the pitch of the
element in the plane of rotation, there is a rack teeth. Similarly OX is the distance between the
corresponding space element same two parallel planes taken in the direction of the

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pitch line in the axial section, and so is the axial pitch.
The pitch between the parallel planes indicated as
OZ is in the direction of the line of centers and is
perpendicular to the pitch plane. It is here named the
center pitch.
It is possible now to complete our system of terms
and definitions by reference to the rack and the pitch
figure. There is one plane to be added to those
already defined.
25. THE AXIAL PLANE OF ACTION is perpendicu-
lar to the side of a tooth in the axial plane and also is
perpendicular to the axial plane. For instance, the
plane of action of a wormgear is the axial plane of
action of the mating worm.

Normal
section

Axial Axial
section section

Transverse
section

Figure 24 -- Helical rack Figure 25 -- Helical rack

X Y

O Axial
pitch O
Pitch
Z (transverse)
Center
pitch

Figure 26 -- Position of pitch figure Figure 27 -- Pitch figure

Figures 24 -- 27 -- Step by step development of the pitch figure from oblique, involute rack elements

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This completes the list of eight planes, which are as 30. CENTER PITCH (pc) is the pitch in the direction
follows: of the line of centers, perpendicular to the pitch
plane.
Name of plane Definition
31. (TRANSVERSE) BASE PITCH (pb) is the pitch
1. Plane of rotation 2 in the direction of the line of action in the transverse
2. Pitch plane 19 plane, and so is the perpendicular distance between
3. Transverse plane 20 the parallel tangent lines forming the rack outline in
the transverse plane.
4. Axial plane 21
32. AXIAL BASE PITCH (pX) is the base pitch in the
5. Tangent plane 22
axial plane.
6. Plane of action (transverse) 23
33. NORMAL BASE PITCH (pN) is the base pitch in
7. Normal plane 24 the normal plane, and is the perpendicular distance
8. Axial plane of action 25 between the parallel planes forming sides of adja-
cent rack teeth. Likewise it is the perpendicular
distance between the parallel surfaces forming sides
The plane of rotation will not be referred to in of adjacent involute gear teeth. It is therefore one of
connection with the pitch figure, because in the case the most important fundamental gear--tooth dimen-
of a bevel gear there is no practical reason for sions. Any two gears which are to engage each
considering it. This is evident from figures 16 and 18 other properly must have the same normal base
which are found on page 7. The tangent plane pitch.
contains the oblique triangle XYZ of the pitch figures PRESSURE ANGLES (See definition 15a)
(figure 27), but obviously being itself one of the
1. Transverse pressure angle Figure 29
parallel rack planes, contains none of the pitches.
2. Axial pressure angle Figure 30
Each of the other six planes, however, passes
through the center point O of the pitch figure and cuts 3. Normal pressure angle Figure 31
out a right triangle containing dimensions and angles 34a. TRANSVERSE PRESSURE ANGLE (Ôt) is
which are involved in the calculations for and the pressure angle in the transverse plane. (The
measurements in gear teeth. These six right general term pressure angle is used to give the
triangles are illustrated individually in figures 28 to direction of the normal line at various points of a tooth
33. The series of definitions is now continued. profile or tooth surface in relation to a pitch line or
pitch circle, or other important reference. Unless
PITCHES otherwise indicated “pressure angle” means trans-
1. Transverse circular pitch verse pressure angle.)
2. Axial pitch 35a. AXIAL PRESSURE ANGLE (Ôx) is the
pressure angle in the axial plane.
3. Normal pitch
36a. NORMAL PRESSURE ANGLE (Ôn) is the
4. Center pitch
pressure angle in the normal plane.
5. Transverse base pitch
PROFILE ANGLES (See definition 15b)
6. Axial base pitch 1. Transverse profile angle Figure 29
7. Normal base pitch 2. Axial profile angle Figure 30
26. PITCH in the oblique--tooth rack is the distance 3. Normal profile angle Figure 31
between two adjacent parallel tooth (tangent) planes (34b. TRANSVERSE PROFILE ANGLE is the
measured in any specified direction. profile angle in the transverse plane. The general
27. TRANSVERSE PITCH (pt) is the pitch taken in term profile angle is applicable to gear teeth,
the direction of the pitch line in the transverse gear--cutting tools, grinding wheels, etc., and gives
section. the slant of a profile or cutting edge in reference to
some principal direction. It indicates the direction of
28. AXIAL PITCH (px) is the pitch in the axial plane.
the line tangent to a profile or surface. Unless
29. NORMAL PITCH (pn) is the pitch in the normal otherwise indicated “profile angle” means
plane. transverse profile angle.)

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ψp
pt
pn
px
pt
pb
pt
pc
Ôt

pb Ôt
ψp Ôt
pc

pt
ψp pn

px

Figure 28 -- Pitch plane triangle Figure 29 -- Transverse plane triangle

px
pn

pX pN
pc pn
pc Ôn
px
Ôx
pN Ôn

Ôx Ôn
pX pc

Ôx pc

Figure 30 -- Axial plane triangle Figure 31 -- Normal plane triangle

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pt
px pN

pb px pN

ψb pt

pN ψx
ψb pX
pN pb
ψx
px

Figure 32 -- Plane of action triangle Figure 33 -- Axial plane of action triangle

ψp
ψb
pn pt
px
pN

pX Ôx
pb
Ôn
Ôt

pc Ôx

Figure 34 -- Pitches Figure 35 -- Angles

Figures 28--35 -- Step by step breakdown of the pitch figure into various pitch triangles, each
involving three pitches, or linear dimensions, and either a helix angle or a pressure angle. The
relationships can all be expressed in a series of simple trigonometric formulas, collected in tabular
form

(35b. AXIAL PROFILE ANGLE is the profile angle HELIX ANGLES

in the axial plane.)
1. Pitch helix angle FIgure 28
2. Base helix angle Figure 32
(36b. NORMAL PROFILE ANGLE is the profile
angle in the normal plane.) 3. Axial base helix angle Figure 33

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37. PITCH HELIX ANGLE (ψp) is the angle of the
helix on the pitch cylinder, between the curve and the
axis. In an oblique rack, the helix angle is the angle in
the pitch plane between the axial plane and the
intersection of the tangent plane, or between the
normal plane and the transverse plane. Unless
otherwise indicated “helix angle” means the angle on
the pitch cylinder.
aspects. A pitch diagram can be constructed,
however, in which the elements all appear in their
true values, as shown in figure 37 which corresponds
to figure 35. Further detailed explanation will not be
given, but there should be no difficulty in following
the constructions indicated.

38. BASE HELIX ANGLE (ψb) is the angle of the X

helix on the base cylinder.

39. BASE HELIX ANGLE (ψx) is the angle in the n

axial plane of action, between the tangent plane and Y
px pn pt
the axial plane.
LEAD ANGLES O y
pb
1. Pitch lead angle pN
pX
2. Base lead angle
3. Axial base lead angle pc
40. PITCH LEAD ANGLE (λp) is the angle between
the pitch helix and a plane of rotation. It is the
complement of the helix angle. Because in worms
and hobs the lead angle is usually small it is then Z
used in preference to the helix angle. Unless
Figure 36 -- Pitch figure (complete)
otherwise indicated “lead angle” means the angle on
the pitch cylinder.
Y
41. BASE LEAD ANGLE (λb) is the lead angle on Zn
the base cylinder and is the complement of the base Tooth n y Ôn
helix angle. pc
pN pb
42. AXIAL BASE LEAD ANGLE (λx) is the pn pt pN
complement of the axial base helix angle. X ψp
Ôt
px O p c Zy
It can be seen in figure 34 how the seven pitches pX
forming the pitch figure all intersect at the same pN
point. Any two of them form an angle. Also, each of
the individual pitch triangles of the preceding dia- x
grams contains three pitches, or linear dimensions,
and either a pressure angle or a helix angle. Of the
four such elements in each pitch triangle, if any two Ôx
pc
are known, the other two can be determined. The
trigonometric relationships among the pitches and
angles can all be expressed in a collection of Zx
formulas like the standard formulas provided for the
solution of triangles. The total number of these is Figure 37 -- Pitch diagram (complete)
rather large. They are recorded in convenient
arrangement for reference in the accompanying
Figures 36 -- 37 -- Development of the pitch
tables.
figure shown in perspective into a pitch
Since the pitch figure is a perspective diagram it diagram on which all lines and angles are
shows dimensions and angles in foreshortened shown in the true magnitude

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Anyone who has occasion to make gear calculations
will be well repaid for time spent in becoming familiar
with the pitch diagram and its component triangles.
The ability to construct and use this diagram as
occasion arises makes one independent of the lists
of formulas which are too extensive to memorize.
The basic dimensions of a helical involute surface
are (a) the diameter of the base cylinder and (b) the
lead of the base helix, which is also the lead at any
other diameter. In a similar way, the basic dimen-
sions of the tooth surface of a helical involute gear
are the base pitch and the axial pitch which together
determine the normal base pitch. If any two of these
are given, the third can be found. With any two of
these basic dimensions and the number of teeth
given, all the other pitches and the angles at any
specified diameter in any involute gear can be
calculated. An example will make this clearer and
will also serve to illustrate the way in which the kind of
knowledge which has here been presented can be
used.

Table 2 -- Two given pitches determine angles and planes

pt pb pc pn pN px pX
Transverse Transverse Pitch Axial plane Pitch Axial plane
pt -- --
plane plane plane of action plane of action
pb Transverse Plane of Plane of
pb -- -- -- -- -- --
p t = cos Ô t plane action action
pt pb Normal Normal Axial Axial
pc -- --
p c = tan Ô t p c = sin Ô t plane plane plane plane
pn pn Normal Pitch
pn p t = cos ψ p -- -- p c = tan Ô n -- -- -- --
plane plane
pN pN pN pN Plane of Axial plane
pN p t = cos ψ x p b = cos ψ b -- --
p c = sin Ô n p n = cos Ô n action of action
pt pb px pn pN Axial
px p c = tan Ô x p x = sin ψ p p x = sin ψ b -- --
p x = tan ψ p p x = tan ψ b plane
pt pX pN pX
pX p X = tan ψ x -- -- = sin Ô x -- -- p X = cos ψ x p x = cos Ô x -- --
pc
ψ p = 90° − λ p ψ b = 90° − λ b ψ x = 90° − λ x

Table 3 -- One pitch determined by given second pitch and angle

pt pb pc pn pN px pX
pb pn pN
pt = -- -- p c tan Ô t p x tan ψ p p X tan ψ x
cos Ô t cos ψ p cos ψ x
pN
pb = p t cos Ô t -- -- p c sin Ô t -- -- p x tan ψ b -- --
cos ψ b
pt pb pn pN px pX
pc = -- --
tan Ô t sin Ô t tan Ô n sin Ô n tan Ô x sin Ô x
pN
pn = p t cos ψ p -- -- p c tan Ô n -- -- p x sin ψ p -- --
cos Ô n
pN = p t cos ψ x p b cos ψ b p c sin Ô n p n cos Ô n -- -- p x sin ψ b p X sin ψ x
pt pb pn pN pX
px = p c tan Ô x -- --
tan ψ p tan ψ b sin ψ p sin ψ b cos Ô x
pt pN
pX = -- -- p c sin Ô x -- -- p x cos Ô x -- --
tan ψ x sin ψ x
ψ p = 90° − λ p ψ b = 90° − λ b ψ x = 90° − λ x

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Suppose that a helical involute gear is to be cut with a
spur--gear hob, and that it is desired to know the
exact helix angle and pressure angle produced in the
gear. Here “exact” should mean, for instance, that
instead of assuming that the machine operator will
install change gears to give the helix angle specified,
the calculations are to be based on the change gears
actually used. Then in the gear the known elements
are:
N = the number of teeth
D = the pitch diameter at which the helix angle
and pressure angle are to be calculated
px = the axial pitch as calculated from the
constants of the machine and the change
gears selected.
Since a spur--gear hob is to be used, its normal pitch
and normal pressure angle supposedly are equal to
the pitch and pressure angle of the spur gears for
which it was made. That is, the known elements in
the hob are:
pn = the normal pitch and
Ôn = the normal pressure angle
at some unknown nominal diameter. The hob will be
assumed to be of correct involute form, meaning that
it is itself a helical involute gear. Then in the hob the
normal base pitch is given by the formula
p N = p n cos Ô n
Since the hob generates the gear, this is also the
value of the normal base pitch in the gear.
With px and pN now known for the gear, reference to
table 5 next shows that the base pitch is
px pN
pb =
p2x − p2N
Of course, the pitch of the gear at the specified
diameter is
pt = π D
N
Then the pressure angle at the same diameter is
obtained by the following formula:
p
cos Ô t = pb
t
and finally the helix angle is calculated from the
relation
p
tan ψ p = p t
x
This completes the information required for the
geometrical determination of the gear. Questions
regarding the thickness of tooth and depth of cut
constitute a separate study. Attention is called to the
fact that the method of calculation here used
indicates that the base pitch of the gear is not
affected by the center distance between the hob and
the blank nor by the angle between the hob and
blank axes. In other words, the diameter of the base
circle for involute teeth generated in the gear is
independent of the hob setting.

Table 4 -- Angles determined by two given pitches

Name Symbol Sine Cosine Tangent

pb pb pt
Transverse Ôt pt
pc pc
Pressure angle pN pN pn
Normal Ôn pc
or profile angle pc pn
pX pX px
Axial Ôx pc
pc px
pn pn pt
Pitch ψp px pt px
pN pN pb
Helix angle Base ψb pb
px px
pN pN pt
Axial base ψx pX pt pX
pn pn px
Pitch λp pt px pt
pN pN px
Lead angle Base λb pb pb
px
pN pN pX
Axial base λx pt pX pt

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AMERICAN GEAR MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AGMA 933--B03

In conclusion, there remains to be pointed out two
ways in which the system of gear geometry which
has been described is extended to include all
possible cases. First, the pitch figure and pitch
diagram have been given with one transverse plane
and one axial plane. This is sufficient for the
consideration of a single gear or for two gears with
axes in the same plane, and in the case of two
cylindrical gears with axes at right angles, it is only
necessary to note that the transverse plane of one is
the axial plane of the other, and vice versa. With the
two axes oblique, however, only the tangent plane
and normal plane remain common to both gears; and
each gear will have its separate axial and transverse
plane together with its own set of values for pitches
and angles. This involves no additional principles
but only means doubling up some of the elements.
Second, by slightly modifying the conception of the
pitch figure, it can be seen to represent the correct
relations of angles for any kind of tooth surface, and
not necessarily for one of helical and involute form.
This only requires thinking of the linear dimensions in
the pitch figures as being velocities instead of
pitches. All the ratios would remain as before, and
there would be no change in the angles. Finally, the
conception could then be led back to the idea of pitch
by considering the linear dimensions in the pitch
figure as distances moved, at respective velocities,
during a period of time corresponding to one tooth
interval. Thus it will be seen that the geometrical
analysis which has been given is capable of
completely general application.

Table 5 -- Two given pitches determine third pitch

pt pb pc pn pN px pX
pt pb pt pc pt pn pt pN pt px pt p X
pt --- --- pc = p = px = p = pn = pN =
 p 2 − p2
t b
b
 p2 + p2
t c  p 2 − p2
t n
X
 p2 − p 2
t N
p2t + p2x p2t + p2X
pt pb p bp c p bp N p bp x
pt = px = pN =
pb p c = --- --- --- --- --- ---
p2t − p2b  p2 2
c − pb  p 2 − p2
b N
p2b + p2x
pt pc pb pc pc pn pc pN pc px p c pX
p = pt = p = pn = p = px =
pc
p2c − p2b --- ---
b
p2t + p2c N
p2c + p2n p2c − p2N X
p2c + p2x p2c − p2X
pt pn pc pn pn pN pn p x
pc =
pn p x = --- --- p = --- --- pt =
--- ---
 p 2 − p2
t n
N
 p2 2
c + pn
 p2 2
n − pN
p2x − p2n
pt pN pb pN pc pN pn pN pN p x pN p X
pN p X = px = pn = pc =
--- --- p = pt =
p2t − p2N p2b − p2N p2c − p2N p2n − p2N b
p2x − p2N p2X − p2N
pt px pb p x pc px pn p x pN p x p x pX
pn = pN = p = pt = p = pc =
px p2t + p2x --- ---
p2b + p2x X
p2c + p2x p2x − p2n b
p2x − p2N p2x − p2X
pt pX p c pX pN p X p x pX
p = px = pt = pc =
pX --- --- --- --- --- ---
N
p2t + p2X p2c − p2X p2X − p2N p2x − p2X
Standard trigonometric formulas for right angles.
a
c bc ac ab
a= b= c=
b 2 − c 2 a 2 − c 2 a 2 + b 2
b

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Table 6 -- Two given angles determine third angle

Ôt Ôn Ôx
Ôt sin Ô n tan Ô t = tan Ô x tan ψ p
sin Ô t =
cos ψ b
tan Ô n
tan Ô t =
cos ψ p
Ôn sin Ô n = sin Ô t cos ψ b sin Ô n = sin Ô x sin ψ x
tan Ô n = tan Ô t cos ψ p tan Ô n = tan Ô x sin ψ p
Ôx tan Ô t sin Ô n
tan Ô x = sin Ô x =
tan ψ p cos ψ x
tan Ô n
tan Ô x =
sin ψ p
ψp ψb ψx
ψp sin ψ b cos ψ x
sin ψ p = cos ψ p =
cos Ô n cos Ô n

tan ψ b
tan ψ p = tan ψ p = tan ψ x cos Ô x
cos Ô t
ψb sin ψ b = sin ψ p cos Ô n sin ψ b = sin ψ x cos Ô x

cos ψ x
tan ψ b = tan ψ p cos Ô t cos ψ b =
cos Ô t
ψx cos ψ x = cos ψ p cos Ô n sin ψ b
sin ψ x =
cos Ô x
tan ψ p
tan ψ x =
cos Ô x cos ψ x = cos ψ b cos Ô t
ψ p = 90° − λ p ψ b = 90° − λ b ψ x = 90° − λ x

Notation Ôt = transverse pressure angle

Ôn = normal pressure angle
Pitches
Ôx = axial pressure angle
pt = transverse circular pitch
pb = base pitch Helix angles
pc = center pitch
pn = normal pitch ψp = pitch helix angle
pN = normal base pitch ψb = base helix angle
px = axial pitch ψx = axial base helix angle
pX = axial base pitch
Lead angles (in worms)
Angles
λp = pitch lead angle
Pressure angles λb = base lead angle
Ôt = transverse pressure angle λx = axial base lead angle
Ôn = normal pressure angle
Ôx = axial pressure angle
This summarizes all the notation of which previous
Profile angles use has been made.

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