Conveyor Capacity Calculator
Belt conveyor capacity is a volumetric flow converted to mass.
Enter Values
Before you rely on this: First-pass guide only. Verify safety-critical or regulated work against the relevant standards, your project requirements and a qualified professional.
How to use this calculator
- Enter the cross-sectional area of material on the belt in m² (from the belt's troughing geometry and design fill), the belt speed in m/s, and the bulk (loose) density of the conveyed material in t/m³.
- Optionally add operating hours per day to convert the hourly rate into a daily tonnage.
- Read the mass capacity (t/h), volumetric capacity (m³/h) and — if hours were entered — the daily capacity, then compare against your conveyor's rated capacity.
How it works
Belt conveyor capacity is a volumetric flow converted to mass. The material on the belt has a cross-sectional load area A (m²); moving at belt speed v (m/s) it sweeps A × v cubic metres past a point each second, or 3600 × A × v cubic metres per hour. Multiplying that volumetric flow (m³/h) by the material's bulk density ρ (t/m³) gives capacity (t/h) = 3600 × A × v × ρ.
The cross-sectional area depends on belt width, troughing (idler) angle and the material's surcharge angle, so it is normally taken from the conveyor design or a capacity chart. The result is a theoretical peak for a fully, evenly loaded belt; real sustained throughput is lower due to uneven loading, edge distance, spillage and stoppages. Guidance/estimate only — verify against the OEM rated capacity, the design fill factor and a competent professional.
Worked example
ROM feed conveyor at 2.5 m/s. A troughed belt carries ore with a cross-sectional load area of 0.15 m² at a belt speed of 2.5 m/s. The ore has a bulk (loose) density of 1.6 t/m³ and the plant runs 20 h/day. Volumetric flow = 3600 × 0.15 × 2.5 = 1,350 m³/h. Mass capacity = 1,350 × 1.6 = 2,160 t/h. Over 20 running hours that is 2,160 × 20 = 43,200 t/day.
Common mistakes
- Using compacted (in-situ / bank) density instead of the loose bulk density of the material as it rides on the belt — conveyed material is loose, so use its loose bulk density in t/m³.
- Confusing belt speed in m/s with feet per minute or km/h. The formula's 3600 factor assumes speed in metres per second; convert first (e.g. 150 m/min ÷ 60 = 2.5 m/s).
- Treating this theoretical peak as the guaranteed throughput. It assumes a perfectly, evenly filled cross-section — always de-rate with an edge/utilisation factor and check the OEM rating.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the cross-sectional load area?
It comes from the belt width, the idler troughing angle and the material's surcharge angle. Conveyor manufacturers publish capacity tables and area factors for standard belt widths and troughing (e.g. 20°, 35°, 45°). Use the design load area for your belt rather than trying to measure it, and remember it represents a fully loaded belt.
Why is my real throughput lower than this number?
This is a theoretical maximum for a completely and evenly loaded belt running continuously. In practice you lose capacity to under-filling, edge distance kept clear of the belt edges, surge and gaps in feed, and to belt stoppages. Apply a utilisation/fill factor (often 0.7–0.9) and multiply by actual running hours to estimate real tonnage.
Does belt incline change the capacity?
The mass flow formula itself is unchanged by incline, but on steep inclines the effective load area is reduced because material tends to roll back, so the practical fill and hence the achievable area are lower. Use the incline-adjusted design area from the conveyor OEM for steep belts.
Related tools
- Fleet Productivity Calculator
- Cost per Tonne Calculator
- Density Mass Volume Calculator
- ROM Pad Capacity Calculator
- Haul Road Grade Resistance Calculator
- Ramp Truck Speed vs Grade Calculator
Explore more in Mining, Quarry, Earthworks, Drill & Blast.
Tip: Enter any known values to calculate the remaining results.
All calculations run in your browser. Your inputs are never saved or transmitted.