Microstepping Resolution Calculator

Work out microstepping resolution instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Microstepping Resolution Calculator

Microstep angle is the full step divided by the microstep count, but the torque available to move one microstep is holding torque times sin(90/microsteps degrees). At 32x microstepping that is under 5% of holding torque, so friction alone can swallow several microsteps of commanded motion.

Formula

Microstepping

microstep angle = full step / N; incremental torque = holding torque x sin(90/N degrees)

Worked example

With the default values below, Microstepping Resolution Calculator returns Microstep angle of 0.05625. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Full step angle: 1.8 °
Microsteps per full step: 32 x
Full step holding torque: 0.44 N·m

Results

Microstep angle: 0.05625 °
Microsteps per revolution: 6,400 steps
Incremental torque per microstep: 0.02159 N·m
Incremental torque as share of holding: 4.91% %

Step by step

1Values used
2Microstepping
3Microstep angle= 0.05625 °
4Microsteps per revolution= 6,400 steps
5Incremental torque per microstep= 0.02159 N·m
6Incremental torque as share of holding= 4.91 %

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 5 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

So is fine microstepping pointless?

Not at all — it dramatically reduces resonance and audible noise. Just do not treat the resolution figure as achievable positioning accuracy.

What microstepping should I use?

8x or 16x is the usual sweet spot for smoothness without needing impractically fine current control or very high step rates.