Record player

Turntable belt - measure effective length

Jul 16, 2025·Last update: Jul 19, 2025

This means that the effective length is not determined :

  • Not by cutting the belt

  • Not by measuring the inner or outer edge directly with the measuring tape


Instead, measure it like this:

1. directly on the belt (tension-free):

If you have already removed the belt:

  • Lay the turntable belt loosely flat on the table

  • Mark a point with a pencil

  • Using a flexible tape measure, measure once around the middle of the cross-section (i.e. at about half the height/thickness)

  • This gives a good approximation of the effective length

2. measure the drive system (if there is no belt):

If you have the pulleys, you can calculate the effective length:

  • With diameter of the pulleys + center distance + wrap angle if necessary


Important:

Some manufacturers specify inside length (Li) or circumference - but the effective length (Le) is the one that is critical to function and refers to the "neutral fiber" (the center of the rubber that stretches or compresses the least during movement).

Customer testimonials

write review
Never miss a thing.

News and new features straight to your inbox.

Subscribe to the newsletter