The pulse rate your controller must produce is steps per revolution times microsteps times turns per second. Enter your motor and driver settings below.
Real motors lose torque as speed rises. Check the torque curve and ramp the speed instead of jumping to it.
How it is calculated
Pulses per revolution = full steps per revolution × microsteps. Step frequency = pulses per revolution × RPM ÷ 60. Angle per microstep = 360 ÷ pulses per revolution.
A worked example
A 200-step motor at 16 microsteps needs 200 × 16 = 3,200 pulses per revolution. At 60 RPM that is 3,200 × 60 ÷ 60 = 3,200 Hz. Each microstep is 360 ÷ 3,200 = 0.1125 degrees.
Common mistakes
- Forgetting microstepping when setting the pulse rate.
- Expecting full torque at high speed. Torque falls as the speed rises.
- Starting at the target speed. Accelerate gradually to avoid missed steps.
Related
gear train calculator, wheel speed calculator, servo torque calculator.
Last reviewed: November 2026. The calculator runs in your browser and sends nothing anywhere. Results are ideal-case figures; add margin before you order parts.