Estimate Extend and Retract Speed
Estimate pneumatic cylinder extend and retract speed using cylinder size, rod diameter, stroke, and supplied flow rate.
This calculator is useful for preliminary cylinder timing estimates, pneumatic sizing, valve selection, and automation cycle time planning.
Speed = Stroke ÷ Time
Not sure where to start?
Follow the full step-by-step pneumatic system sizing process.
View Pneumatic System GuideNeed help applying this to a real machine?
Get connected with a qualified automation integrator for your project if you need help with cylinder sizing, valve selection, pneumatic timing, or full machine design.
Find an IntegratorThis is a simplified estimate using standard cubic feet per minute converted to free air volume. Real cylinder speed depends heavily on pressure, valve Cv, tubing length, regulator performance, load, cushioning, exhaust restriction, and meter-in or meter-out control.
How to use this calculator in real applications
This calculator is typically used during early design or troubleshooting to estimate whether a cylinder can meet the required cycle time. While the math is straightforward, real cylinder speed is heavily influenced by valve flow capacity, pressure stability, exhaust restriction, and system layout.
A common workflow is to estimate speed here, then verify air consumption and line sizing to make sure the system can actually deliver the required flow at that speed without pressure drop.
Real-world example
A cylinder may calculate to move in 0.3 seconds based on available SCFM, but if the valve Cv is too low or the exhaust path is restricted, the actual motion can slow significantly. This often shows up as inconsistent cycle times or stations falling behind the required takt time.
Common causes of slow pneumatic motion
- Undersized valves limiting available flow
- Long or undersized air lines causing pressure drop
- Exhaust restriction or improper flow control setup
- Low or unstable supply pressure under load
- Cylinder cushioning or mechanical resistance
Where this fits in your design process
Cylinder speed should be evaluated alongside force and air consumption. A system that has enough force may still fail to meet cycle time if airflow is limited or poorly distributed.