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Calculating Minimum and Maximum O-Ring Compression

The following formulas can act as a guide for calculating minimum and maximum O-ring compression when designing for sealing applications. The formulas should be used as a guide only. Apple Rubber engineers can assist you in determining exact specifications for your particular application (for more information see Section 12 Formulas in the Seal Design Guide).

O-Ring Compression Calculations for Piston and Bore

Male Radial Seal

*Equations based on maximum O-Ring Cross Section, Minimum Groove depth and filling 90% of the groove.

Legend
A =	Min. Bore Diameter	E =	Max. O-Ring Cross Section
B =	Max. Bore Diameter	F =	Min. O-Ring Cross Section
C =	Min. Groove Diameter	G =	Min. Piston Diameter
D =	Max. Groove Diameter

Concentric		Eccentric

This information is also available in Apple Rubber's MicrOring™ brochure.

O-RING RULE OF THUMB #2

A groove depth is the machined depth into one surface, whereas a gland depth consists of the groove depth plus diametrical clearance and is used to calculate seal compression. » Learn More