Tutorial: How to measure bearings?

How to Measure Bearings and what order are the sizes measured in?

Click here for Linear Bearings

Click here for Imperial / Metric Conversion Table

Measuring Bearings can be simple but often you may see variations in the way that bearings are listed, there is a universal method that is used by most manufacturers and we will explain this in further detail.
Vernier Calipers are the most accurate way to measure a Bearing, if you don’t have any handy then a ruler will give you a rough guide.
Most calipers have 2 Jaws for measuring, as shown in the picture below, the “Outside Large Jaws” are used to measure the external diameter or outer diameter (Od), these are also used to measure Width. The “Inner small Jaws” are used to measure the internal diameter (id).

How to determine which Bearing you require

The sizes can at times get confusing, when looking for a 3x8x4mm bearing it’s easy to stumble across something like a 4x8x3mm by accident. Here we will show you which number comes first, second and third when measuring. Our example Bearing is an 8x16x5mm.
The first Number is the Inner Diameter (id). As shown below, this is the inner ring or as some people call it the shaft size or hole. In our example this is 8mm

The Second Number is the Outer Diameter (od). In our example this is 16mm

The Third Number is the Width, In our example this is 5mm

Now that you have the measurements you can use our search feature and type in the size for example “8x16x5″ to see the available options for that bearing.

Imperial Bearings are also measured by the same method, for example
1/2″ x 3/4″ x 5/32”
(id)  x (od)  x (W)
This Rule of Measuring in this particular order is universal. Whether its for Fishing Reels, Skateboards, RC Cars, Engines etc.

How to measure Linear Bearings

Linear Bearings are measured the same way as regular bearings, it can be a little confusing because the width is usually the largest part but refer to the below picture if you get stuck.

Written by Trevor Lockie of Plaig Bearings – First Published in 2015