ACME thread calculator to find dimensions of general purpose single and multiple start ACME threaded rods and nuts. Calculation can be done for tolerance classes of 2G, 3G and 4G. Tolerance class 2G is the preferred class but if less play and backlash is needed, 3G or 4G can be selected. ACME thread angle is 29° and the thread height is half of the thread pitch.

ACME thread form is a trapezoidal screw thread profile used for lead screws (power screws). There are different types of ACME threads such as General purpose, Stub ACME screw and Centralizing. General purpose and Centralizing ACME threads are defined in the ASME/ANSI B1.5-1997 standard and Stub ACME screw thread is defined in the ASME/ANSI B1.8-1988 standard.

Acme Thread Calculator Tolerances

ACME Thread Calculator:

Nominal diameter (inches) - threads per inch
Thread Tolerance Class 1
Number of Start 2

Note: 1 Preferred class is 2G.

Note: 2 Single or multiple start ACME threads.


Parameter Value
Designation -- ---  
Nominal Diameter D --- in
Threads per inch n --- ---
Thread Tolerance -- ---
Maximum Major Diameter dmax --- in
Minimum Major Diameter dmin ---
Maximum Pitch Diameter d2max ---
Minimum Pitch Diameter d2min ---
Maximum Minor Diameter d1max ---
Minimum Minor Diameter d1min ---
Maximum Major Diameter Dmax --- in
Minimum Major Diameter Dmin ---
Maximum Pitch Diameter D2max ---
Minimum Pitch Diamter D2min ---
Maximum Minor Diameter D1max ---
Minimum Minor Diameter D1min ---
Basic Major Diameter  D  --- in
Basic Pitch Diameter D2 ---
Basic Minor Diameter D1 ---
Pitch P ---
Basic Thread Thickness t ---
Basic Thread Height h ---
Basic Flat at Crest
(internal thread)
Fcn ---
Basic Flat at Crest
(external thread)
Fcs ---
Basic Flat at Root
(internal thread)
Frn ---
Basic Flat at Root
(external thread)
Frs ---
Basic Lead Angle λ --- --
Minimum Stress Area At  --- in^2
Minimum Shear Area per
Unit Length
As --- in


Centralizing ACME Threads: The tolerances of major diameter of external and internal threads are tighter with respect to general purpose ACME threads. In case of a lateral force, external and internal threads contact each other at the major diameter of the thread. This helps to keep alignment of the thread axis and prevents wedging.

Chamfers: General Purpose external threads (threaded rods) may have the crest corner chamfer as shown in the first figure at the top of the page.

Gages for General Purpose ACME Threads: Gages for general purpose acme threads are defined in ASME B1.5 standard. Gage tolerances, gages for ACME threaded rods and nuts including GO/NOT GO thread ring and plug gages and necessary information related with gauging are given in this standard.

Lead: The distance that nut advances in one revolution of the ACME threaded rod.

Length of Engagement: The tolerances specified in the ASME B1.5-1997 standard are applicable to lengths of engagement not exceeding twice the basic major diameter.



Multi Start ACME Thread: Provides fast relative traversing motion with lower mechanical advantage. For multiple start ACME threaded rods: major, minor, and pitch diameter sizes for each class are identical to those for single-start threads. In case of multiple start ACME threaded nuts: maximum major, minor, and pitch diameter sizes are increased by a percentage of external pitch diameter allowance (es) ; 50 % of es for two-start threads, 75% of es for three-start threads and 100% for four-start threads. [Ref-2]

Stub ACME Thread: The thread height is less than general purpose and centralizing acme threads. The thread height is 0.3 pitches for Stub ACME thread. In general purpose form this is 0.5 pitches. Stub ACME thread form is provided for unusual applications where a coarse-pitch thread of shallow depth is required due to mechanical or metallurgical reasons.





  • ASME B1.5-1997, ACME Screw Threads