1. What is Taper Per Foot?

Taper per foot is a measurement that describes how much a diameter changes over a one-foot length. It's commonly used in machining, pipe fitting, and other manufacturing processes where conical shapes are involved.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the taper per foot formula:

Where:

• Large Diameter — Diameter at the larger end (inches)
• Small Diameter — Diameter at the smaller end (inches)
• Length — Distance between diameters (feet)
• 12 — Conversion factor to get taper per foot

Explanation: The formula calculates the difference in diameters, divides by the length to get taper per unit length, then multiplies by 12 to convert to taper per foot.

3. Importance of Taper Calculation

Details: Accurate taper calculation is crucial for proper fitting of tapered components, ensuring correct alignment and function in mechanical systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter diameters in inches and length in feet. All values must be positive numbers. The large diameter should be greater than the small diameter for meaningful results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between taper and slope?
A: Taper is typically expressed as the difference in diameter per unit length, while slope is the ratio of rise over run.

Q2: Can I use this for metric measurements?
A: The calculator is designed for imperial units. For metric, you'd typically express taper as a ratio or in mm per meter.

Q3: How precise should my measurements be?
A: For machining applications, measurements should be precise to at least 0.001 inches for accurate results.

Q4: What if my length isn't exactly one foot?
A: The calculator automatically converts the result to "per foot" regardless of the actual length you input.

Q5: Can I calculate reverse taper?
A: Yes, if the small diameter is larger than the large diameter, the result will be negative, indicating reverse taper.