MachineCalcs

Gear DXF Generator

Generate an involute spur gear DXF from module or diametral pitch, tooth count, pressure angle and profile shift — with live preview and geometry outputs. Metric and imperial. Free, no signup.

Calculator

Specify gear size by metric module (mm) or imperial diametral pitch (teeth per inch).

Module in mm (metric) or diametral pitch in 1/in (imperial), per the size system above.

mm

Standard pressure angle. 20° is by far the most common.

Number of teeth on this gear.

Teeth on the mating gear — used for center distance. Set 0 if none.

Profile-shift (addendum-modification) coefficient. Positive shifts the profile outward to avoid undercut.

Results

Default result
Edit inputs
Pitch diameter(d)
40mm

Also computed

Module (mm)2

Diametral pitch (1/in)12.7

Base diameter(d_b)37.59mm

Outside (tip) diameter(d_a)44mm

Root diameter(d_f)35mm

Addendum2mm

Method notes 2 notes
  • Standard full-depth involute teeth (addendum = m, dedendum = 1.25 m, clearance = 0.25 m).
  • Minimum teeth to avoid undercut at 20° is 18 without profile shift.

A gear DXF generator exports the involute spur gear outline from module or diametral pitch, tooth count and pressure angle. The pitch diameter is d = m·z and the base circle is d_b = d·cos α; the exported flank points follow the involute from that base circle. This generator also reports the dimensions, backlash, undercut warning and live preview before download.

Continue workflow

All Gears

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter the gear size. Choose module or diametral pitch, then enter the tooth count.
  2. Pick pressure angle. Use 20 degrees for most modern spur gears unless matching an existing gear.
  3. Check preview and warnings. Review the tooth outline, undercut warning, diameters and center distance.
  4. Export the DXF. Download the generated DXF and verify units and scale in your CAD/CAM software.

How it works

The DXF profile starts from the same spur-gear dimensions as the calculator: d = m · z, d_b = d · cos alpha The pitch diameter d sets the tooth spacing, while the base diameter d_b sets the circle from which the involute flanks unwind.

The generator samples the involute flank, mirrors it for the opposite side of the tooth, then rotates that tooth around the gear for all z teeth. The same point list drives the on-page preview and the downloaded DXF.

Worked example

Verified against the live calculator

For a module 2, 20-tooth gear at 20 degrees, the pitch diameter is 40 mm, base diameter is about 37.6 mm, outside diameter is 44 mm and root diameter is 35 mm. The generated DXF repeats the involute tooth outline 20 times around that geometry.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of DXF does this gear generator export?

It exports a 2D involute spur gear outline as DXF using the same geometry shown in the preview. The profile includes the repeated tooth outline around the gear.

Is the exported gear a true involute?

The flanks are generated from the involute of the base circle, using the pressure angle and size you enter. The root transition is simplified, so production gears still need proper cutter/toolpath review.

Can I generate metric and imperial gears?

Yes. Choose module for metric gears or diametral pitch for imperial gears. DP is converted to module internally with m = 25.4 / DP.

Can I use the DXF in Fusion 360, SolidWorks or AutoCAD?

The DXF is intended as a clean 2D profile import for CAD/CAM layout. Import settings differ by CAD package, so confirm units and scale after import.

Does this check gear strength?

No. It generates geometry and dimensions only. Check bending stress, contact stress, material, face width and lubrication separately for loaded gears.

Method & assumptions

  • External spur gear DXF only; no helical lead, bevel cone, internal gear or rack export.
  • Standard full-depth tooth proportions unless profile shift is entered.
  • Root fillet and cutter details are simplified; verify manufacturing method and load capacity separately.
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