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Manufacturing EngineeringTop 10 Best Motor Sizing Software of 2026
Compare motor sizing software options and tradeoffs for engineers, covering tools like Festo Motor Size and helping teams select suitable fit.
How we ranked these tools
Vendors set the topic, but our editors set the inclusion criteria and the evaluation framework before research starts.
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Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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Festo Motor Size is the best pick for teams building rotary and drivetrain motion with Festo automation since its catalog-constrained approach ties operating points to available motor and transmission configurations, while Bosch Rexroth IndraSize fits Rexroth-centric teams since torque-speed checks run against Rexroth component-aligned data.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
Festo Motor Size
Catalog-constrained sizing that ties calculated operating points to available Festo motor and transmission configurations.
Best for: Fits when teams need fast, Festo-aligned motor sizing for rotary and drivetrain-configured motion without heavy custom integration.
Bosch Rexroth IndraSize
Editor pickDrive-motor sizing is tied to Rexroth component data, so torque-speed checks use catalog-aligned parameters.
Best for: Fits when Rexroth drive and motor selection must be validated from motion profiles to torque demand.
Siemens SIMOTION SizeIt
Editor pickMechanism-to-axis inertia derivation that links modeled load dynamics to motor torque selection inside SIMOTION sizing workflows.
Best for: Fits when Siemens motion teams need repeatable motor sizing for servo axes.
Comparison Table
Festo Motor Size
enterpriseSizing tool for electric motors and drives integrated with Festo automation components.
Catalog-constrained sizing that ties calculated operating points to available Festo motor and transmission configurations.
Festo Motor Size calculates and helps size motors and drives for motion applications using Festo product data and application-oriented sizing flows. The core workflow focuses on matching motor output to load torque and speed demands, then checking selected operating points against duty requirements.
Motor selection can be constrained by available motor and transmission options from the Festo range, which reduces spreadsheet translation during drive-motor pairing. The tool also supports common mechanical input modeling like gearhead ratios so the sizing results align with the configured drivetrain.
- +Application-driven sizing steps that map directly to motor and gearbox selection
- +Load modeling includes drivetrain ratios, which reduces manual inertia and torque reflection work
- +Motor selection can be constrained to Festo catalog options for tighter pairing
- +Result outputs stay aligned with configured motion inputs instead of generic formulas
- –Export and API automation are limited compared with calculator tools that support PLC tag export
- –Sizing depth can lag general-purpose motor math for unusual duty cycle waveforms
- –CAD import support for mechanism geometry is not a native part of the core workflow
- –Gearbox selection and efficiency handling depend on available drivetrain data coverage
Machine builders
Size drive-motor for rotary axis
Reduced drivetrain spreadsheet effort
Automation engineers
Validate duty cycle against operating points
Fewer selection iterations
Show 1 more scenario
Systems integrators
Model gearhead ratio for motor matching
More accurate reflected load
Applies gearhead or transmission ratio modeling so motor sizing aligns with the configured drivetrain inertia and torque.
Best for: Fits when teams need fast, Festo-aligned motor sizing for rotary and drivetrain-configured motion without heavy custom integration.
Bosch Rexroth IndraSize
vertical specialistIndraSize is Bosch Rexroth's sizing software for electric drives and controls, supporting motor and drive selection for various applications.
Drive-motor sizing is tied to Rexroth component data, so torque-speed checks use catalog-aligned parameters.
Bosch Rexroth IndraSize calculates and validates motor and drive sizing from motion and load inputs, with results tied to specific Rexroth drive and motor components. The workflow focuses on selecting a drive-motor pairing, checking torque and speed demands against the drive’s operating limits, and producing sizing results for engineering handoff.
IndraSize also supports mechanism modeling and transmission effects so the motor sees the calculated reflected inertia and torque requirements. The tool is geared toward repeatable projects where the same design assumptions must be reused across axis variants.
- +Direct drive-motor pairing checks against drive limits for fewer selection loops
- +Mechanism modeling accounts for transmission ratio effects on reflected inertia
- +Sizing outputs are structured for engineering review and configuration handoff
- +Component-mapped results stay aligned with Rexroth catalogs and variants
- –Best fit is Rexroth ecosystems, which limits neutral motor comparisons
- –Complex mechanisms take time to parameterize correctly before calculation
- –Some advanced edge cases require manual adjustments outside the wizard flow
- –Cross-brand integration paths are not a primary focus of the workflow
Motion design teams
Standardize axis sizing across variants
Consistent sizing results
Commissioning engineers
Transfer sizing outcomes for handoff
Cleaner engineering handoff
Show 1 more scenario
Controls engineers
Account for reflected inertia effects
More reliable acceleration limits
Models transmission and mechanism influence so motor sees reflected inertia and computed torque requirements.
Best for: Fits when Rexroth drive and motor selection must be validated from motion profiles to torque demand.
Siemens SIMOTION SizeIt
vertical specialistSIMOTION SizeIt supports dimensioning of motors for SIMOTION motion control applications.
Mechanism-to-axis inertia derivation that links modeled load dynamics to motor torque selection inside SIMOTION sizing workflows.
SIMOTION SizeIt targets servo sizing by combining a motion profile view with mechanism and inertia computation, so the motor selection is tied to the expected speed torque envelope rather than only nameplate ratings. Load inputs are used to derive acceleration and deceleration torque demands, then selection candidates are filtered against duty and torque margin checks. The integration angle is practical for engineers who already design with Siemens motion tools and want sizing results to stay consistent with SIMOTION projects.
A tradeoff appears in mechanical modeling depth, because accuracy depends on how well the mechanism parameters represent belt ratios, gearhead ratios, and reflected inertia. The most reliable use situation is front-loading engineering during concept and early design when motion profile parameters, transmission ratios, and axis mass estimates are available and stable enough to size a complete motor and drive pairing.
- +Axis-focused servo sizing tied to speed torque envelope demands
- +Mechanism and inertia computation supports transmission ratio modeling
- +Drive and motor pairing checks stay aligned with SIMOTION workflows
- +Duty cycle inputs support continuous versus peak torque verification
- –Model accuracy depends heavily on correct transmission and inertia inputs
- –Advanced multi-axis synchronization analysis requires separate engineering steps
- –External mechanical geometry workflows are less central than parameter-based modeling
- –Automation and API options are limited compared with engineering suites that expose scripting
Motion control engineers
Servo axis sizing from duty profile
Faster selection with fewer re-runs
Machine builders
Standardized drive and motor pairing
More predictable commissioning
Show 1 more scenario
Industrial engineering teams
Transmission ratio and reflected inertia modeling
Reduced inertia mismatch risk
Model gearhead and belt ratios to compute load and motor reflected inertia for sizing.
Best for: Fits when Siemens motion teams need repeatable motor sizing for servo axes.
Faulhaber Drive Electronics Calculator
vertical specialistFaulhaber provides a Drive Electronics Calculator for matching motors with drive electronics and sizing small drive systems.
Drive electronics sizing tied to Faulhaber motor parameter sets, including voltage headroom and thermal limit checks.
Faulhaber Drive Electronics Calculator is oriented around motor database lookup and drive-compatibility checks that convert motor ratings into electronics operating conditions. The calculator emphasizes practical constraints like voltage availability and thermal limits, which matter for continuous torque and for duty-cycle style loading. Output typically functions as a decision aid for matching motor and drive electronics rather than as a full motion-dynamics simulator.
- +Motor-data-driven calculations align electronics selection with Faulhaber motor limits
- +Derives current and voltage operating conditions for configuration feasibility checks
- +Thermal constraint focus reduces risk of continuous-operation oversizing
- +Outputs actionable sizing inputs for pairing drive electronics to a target motor
- –Limited value for non-Faulhaber motors because the calculator follows its motor dataset
- –Motion-profile modeling depth is not comparable to full system simulators
- –Parameter completeness is required to avoid misleading feasibility results
- –API and automation hooks are not evident from the calculator experience
Motor selection engineers
Select drive electronics for a specific Faulhaber motor
Faster motor-drive pairing decisions
Controls integrators
Validate voltage and current limits for commission-ready configs
Reduced rework during integration
Show 1 more scenario
Pre-sales application engineers
Respond to client torque and duty questions with consistent results
Consistent sizing across proposals
Standardizes manufacturer-aligned calculations for proposed motor and electronics options.
Best for: Fits when Faulhaber motor teams need electronics sizing inputs grounded in manufacturer data.
MotorSizing Software by Baumüller
vertical specialistBaumüller provides a web-based motor sizing tool for selecting servo and asynchronous motors based on load and motion profiles.
Duty-cycle oriented sizing templates that keep operating-point calculations consistent across repeated motor and load variants.
MotorSizing Software by Baumüller targets motor and drive sizing workflows with configuration inputs that connect load requirements to drive selection checks. Its workflow centers on generating sizing outputs such as operating-point torque needs and thermal suitability inputs for induction motor sizing and VFD sizing validation.
- +Project-based sizing runs support repeat comparisons across duty cycle profiles
- +Load inertia and transmission ratio inputs connect to drive operating-point checks
- +Clear drive-motor pairing outputs reduce manual cross-referencing between tools
- +Thermal suitability inputs align with typical industrial derating steps
- –Scope is strongest for Baumüller-centric drive selection and may narrow cross-vendor comparisons
- –CAD import and geometry-to-inertia workflows are limited for complex mechanisms
- –Automated export to PLC tag formats can require additional mapping work
- –Modeling depth for fine effects like torque ripple and cogging remains limited
Drive engineering teams
Size VFD and induction motor jointly
Validated drive selection
Application engineers
Compare duty cycles with gearbox ratios
Fewer rework cycles
Show 1 more scenario
Project coordinators
Hand off sizing project data
Faster project turnaround
Supports Baumüller ecosystem handoff so drive-motor pairing and project data move into downstream tasks.
Best for: Fits when teams need repeatable motor and VFD sizing checks with consistent duty-cycle inputs and Baumüller drive pairing outputs.
Lenze Drive Solution Designer
vertical specialistLenze Drive Solution Designer is a planning and sizing tool for drive systems including motor and gear selection.
Integrated transfer from sizing results into Lenze drive parameter preparation for commission-ready setup.
Lenze Drive Solution Designer focuses on drive engineering workflows that connect motor and load sizing outcomes to Lenze drive selections and commissioning artifacts. The software supports mechanism and motion calculations such as load torque build-up and duty cycle based checks, then carries results into drive configuration tasks.
- +Mechanism wizard inputs translate directly into drive parameter preparation
- +Load torque and duty cycle checks fit cyclic motion use cases
- +Tight coupling between motor sizing outputs and drive configuration artifacts
- +Motor and transmission ratio modeling supports reflected inertia calculations
- –Lenze-centric workflow limits accuracy for non-Lenze motor ecosystems
- –Automation exports can lag behind calculator-style standalone sizing workflows
- –Advanced motion profiles require careful input formatting to avoid inconsistent results
- –CAD import coverage is limited compared with CAD-first sizing tools
Drive application engineers
Prepare Lenze drive parameters from sizing
Less parameter rework
Controls integrators
Align motor sizing with commissioned drive
Fewer commissioning surprises
Show 1 more scenario
Industrial automation teams
Maintain selection consistency end-to-end
More predictable builds
Prioritizes configuration consistency across sizing, selection, and commissioning within the Lenze toolchain.
Best for: Fits when Lenze drive projects need motor and load sizing that remains consistent through configuration.
NORD Drive Calculator
vertical specialistNORD Drive Calculator enables online sizing of geared motors and drive electronics for various industrial applications.
Drive-and-motor pairing workflows map calculated operating conditions directly into NORD selection steps.
NORD Drive Calculator covers common motor sizing inputs such as duty cycle profile, load inertia calculation, and speed-torque curve expectations so engineers can converge on a working motor operating point. The workflow is designed around selecting a drive and motor combination, then checking key electrical and mechanical margins used in VFD sizing. The software fit signals are strongest when projects already target NORD motors and NORD inverters.
- +Wizard workflows connect duty-cycle inputs to drive and motor pairing checks
- +Mechanism modeling supports transmission ratio and inertia-reflection iterations
- +Outputs align with NORD selection steps used in commissioning documentation
- +Iteration speed is high for design-review “what-if” mechanical changes
- –Coverage is biased toward NORD catalogs, which limits third-party pairing
- –Deep motion-profile detail can require careful manual parameter mapping
- –Advanced co-simulation style analysis is not the primary workflow
Electrical engineers
Select VFD and motor for duty cycle
Fewer pairing iterations
Industrial automation integrators
Model transmission and reflected inertia
More accurate sizing
Show 2 more scenarios
Machine builders
Standardize sizing across product variants
Consistent selections
Builders reuse structured application parameters to keep drive sizing consistent across similar motion modules.
Controls engineers
Prepare outputs for drive configuration handoff
Cleaner engineering handoff
Controls teams use generated sizing results to reduce ambiguity when translating requirements into drive settings.
Best for: Fits when engineering teams size NORD drive-motor pairs from duty-cycle and load model iterations.
Yaskawa MotorSizer
vertical specialistYaskawa MotorSizer provides online motor sizing for servo and inverter-driven motors based on mechanical load data.
Motor and drive pairing guidance built on Yaskawa motor data, tuned for application cycle and thermal limits.
Yaskawa MotorSizer targets motor selection for Yaskawa drive and motor combinations, with sizing workflows that focus on matching load profiles to motor and drive requirements. The tool supports common motion and load inputs such as speed-torque behavior, duty cycle expectations, and thermal limits so selections reflect steady and peak operating points.
- +Yaskawa-specific motor and drive pairing inputs reduce cross-vendor guesswork
- +Thermal and duty-cycle fields help filter motors outside continuous and peak limits
- +Load-point calculations reflect practical operating points for typical motion cycles
- +Workflow stays focused on motor selection tasks rather than broad system modeling
- –Works best when the selection stays inside Yaskawa motor and drive families
- –Limited support for advanced transmission modeling beyond typical application inputs
- –Less suited for multi-vendor comparisons against ESCO and similar calculators
- –Automation and API extensibility surface is not obvious for integration-heavy teams
Industrial motion engineers
Select motor-drive for peak and steady torque
Correct torque coverage
System designers
Plan thermal-limited motor sizing
Reduced overheating risk
Show 1 more scenario
Field engineers
Standardize Yaskawa-centric sizing
Fewer supplier mismatches
Uses Yaskawa-specific motor data and application constraints to produce selection decisions suited for execution.
Best for: Fits when selecting Yaskawa motors and drives for repeatable motion loads with duty-cycle and thermal checks.
SKF DriveSelect
enterpriseMotor and drive sizing software for industrial power transmission applications.
Drive-motor pairing checks stay coupled to modeled transmission ratio and reflected inertia during load torque calculations.
SKF DriveSelect targets motor sizing workflows where mechanical transmission details matter, and it couples drive selection with load and torque checks instead of stopping at motor nameplate matching. The tool supports selecting motors and drives around speed-torque curve constraints and duty cycle behavior, which helps validate continuous torque and peak torque needs across an operating profile.
- +Ties motor and drive selection to a modeled load torque and speed requirement
- +Handles transmission ratio inputs that affect reflected inertia and torque margin
- +Lets users validate continuous versus peak torque demands against an operating profile
- +Generates results that map back to a selected motor working point
- –Less effective for bespoke mechanisms that require CAD-based geometry interpretation
- –Imported motion profiles can need manual cleanup to match the duty cycle profile
- –Inertia modeling accuracy depends heavily on user-supplied load and friction inputs
- –Automation and API-based provisioning for large project fleets are limited
Mechanical designers
Size system with gearbox reflected inertia
Better transmission-aware sizing
Electrical drive engineers
Validate speed torque curve constraints
More reliable operating margins
Show 1 more scenario
Project engineers
Keep motor operating point selection consistent
Consistent acceleration validation
Emphasizes calculation transparency so the chosen drive-motor pairing stays aligned with modeled acceleration and deceleration.
Best for: Fits when drive teams need consistent motor and VFD sizing from a modeled transmission and duty profile.
LinMot Drive Sizing Tool
vertical specialistLinMot offers an online sizing tool for linear motors and direct drives based on motion profiles and load parameters.
Axis-centric LinMot drive and motor pairing workflow that ties motion inputs to drive-ready operating limits.
LinMot Drive Sizing Tool focuses on servo drive and motor selection workflows built around LinMot components, with calculations that translate motion requirements into drive and motor operating points. The workflow emphasizes pairing, setup of axis and mechanism parameters, and generation of results that target drive sizing decisions rather than generic motor worksheets.
- +Guide rails for LinMot drive-motor pairing decisions in one workflow
- +Thermal and current margin checks track servo load effects during sizing
- +Mechanism parameter inputs reduce manual translation from motion specs
- +Outputs are formatted for configuration and engineering handoff
- –Best results depend on having LinMot-aligned component data available
- –Fewer cross-vendor comparisons than general motor calculator suites
- –Limited support for complex multi-axis coupling and advanced coordinated moves
- –CAD import-based mechanism modeling is not a core part of the sizing flow
Servo application engineers
Pair LinMot components to motion demands
Drive-ready component pairing
Axis design teams
Define axis and mechanism parameters
Fewer design assumption gaps
Show 1 more scenario
Documentation and handoff teams
Export results for configuration capture
Faster documentation updates
Generates exportable outputs so downstream engineers can capture sizing outcomes in documentation and configuration handoff.
Best for: Fits when LinMot-based servo drive systems need consistent motor-drive sizing with clear pairing and margin checks.
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 motor sizing software, Festo Motor Size stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Sizing Software
How does Siemens SIMOTION SizeIt compute load inertia for motor selection?
What breaks if a duty cycle profile is entered as a single steady-state load in NORD Drive Calculator?
Which tool is best for validating drive electronics sizing against voltage headroom and thermal limits?
How does Bosch Rexroth IndraSize handle reflected inertia when sizing a motor for a geared mechanism?
When does LinMot Drive Sizing Tool fall short versus axis-centric servo workflows that require extensive CAD-driven mechanism import?
Which software provides export-ready outputs that support drive configuration handoff after motor sizing?
How do Baumüller and Lenze differ in keeping duty-cycle assumptions consistent across repeated sizing iterations?
How does SKF DriveSelect treat gearbox ratio and reflected inertia during motor operating point selection?
What data migration steps typically matter when moving sizing work from spreadsheets into Yaskawa MotorSizer?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
How to Choose the Right Motor Sizing Software
What separates motor sizing software options is how faithfully they turn your inputs into an output set you can trust: load assumptions, torque-speed behavior, and thermal limits.
Input assumptions and units consistency
Why it matters
If Input assumptions and units consistency are unclear, the computed operating point can shift even when the motor selection looks reasonable. That leads to a sizing result that doesn’t match what you think you modeled.
How to check
In a demo, enter a known motor/load case and intentionally change units (for example, torque units or speed units) to see whether the software flags inconsistencies or silently converts. Ask what happens to the final motor working point when you modify one assumption by a small amount.
Speed-torque curve and operating point
Why it matters
Speed-torque curve accuracy matters because motor selection hinges on where the Motor working point lands during acceleration, steady running, and load changes. If the curve is simplified or not plot-based, you lose confidence in the match.
How to check
Generate a plot for the same case using two different operating scenarios (light load vs higher load). Verify the software shows the operating point on the curve and lets you inspect the torque available at your target speed.
Duty cycle and transient handling
Why it matters
Motor sizing fails when duty cycle and transient handling are wrong, especially around starts, pauses, and repeated cycles. The software needs to reflect how peak vs steady demands affect the chosen motor.
How to check
Run a case that includes repeated start/stop or varying load segments and confirm the tool lets you model the time structure (not just one snapshot). Compare results with the same average load but different cycle timing to see whether outputs change as expected.
Thermal derating and heat-limiting outputs
Why it matters
Thermal derating curve quality determines whether the recommended motor can survive real runtime. This matters when you’re close to thermal limits or operating in hotter conditions.
How to check
Use the environment controls (ambient temperature and cooling context) and check whether thermal outputs change in a traceable way. Ask the tool to show the thermal basis for acceptance, then verify the recommended motor temperature rise trend aligns with your duty length.
Motor database traceability and versioning
Why it matters
Motor database traceability matters because motor parameters may differ by dataset version, voltage, or frame. When outputs are hard to audit, you can’t reproduce the Motor performance curve later.
How to check
In the demo, find where the software stores motor parameter sources and whether it records dataset/version info in the project export. Request a side-by-side comparison of two motor candidates and confirm which parameters the tool used to compute torque-speed behavior.
Project export and automation/API options
Why it matters
If Export and automation surface is weak, it’s harder to keep sizing results consistent across teams and reruns when inputs change. You want a repeatable workflow that preserves the same assumptions.
How to check
Try exporting a report and a machine-readable file (or check for an API) that includes inputs, computed outputs, and key assumptions. Ask whether the tool supports re-running a project from a script or batch job without manual clicking.
Red flags
- The software changes units silently and still reports a convincing motor working point.
- The Speed-torque curve looks generic and won’t show an operating point tied to your inputs.
- Thermal derating curve results can’t be traced to the stated duty timing and environment settings.
Fit by situation
- If you frequently rerun sizing for changing loads, prioritize Input assumptions and units consistency.
- If your design depends on where torque demand crosses available torque, prioritize Speed-torque curve and operating point.
- If runtime or ambient conditions vary across scenarios, prioritize Thermal derating and heat-limiting outputs.
Funding and competing interests
This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.
They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.
Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →
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