Difference Between Spur and Helical Gears

Published: 3 Jul 2025

Gears help machines move and transfer power. In this article, we explain the difference between spur and helical gears in simple words to help you choose the right one.

Spur gears

Spur gears have straight teeth cut across the gear.
These gears make more noise when running because the teeth come together all at once. This causes more shock and shaking.
Good for machines that run slowly or carry light loads. Used in simple tools and devices.
Spur gears push in one straight direction. They are easy to support.
Simple to design and make. Most gear makers can make it easily.
Strong and works well in small machines. But it may wear out faster in big or heavy machines.
Used only when the shafts (gear holders) are side by side.
Good for low-speed and light-duty machines.
Used in clocks, washing machines, hand drills, and other simple tools.

Helical gears

The teeth are cut at a slant or angle. They look twisted.
It runs quietly because the teeth contact gradually.
It works very smoothly. The teeth touch slowly, so the machine runs better and with less vibration.
It works well in machines that run fast and carry heavy loads. Used in cars, factories, and strong machines.
Helical gears also push sideways because of their slanted teeth. They need extra support to work well.
More expensive because of its complex shape and extra materials needed.
Very strong and lasts longer. It handles more pressure and runs longer without damage.
It can be used when shafts are side by side or crossed. This gives more flexibility.
Can handle high-speed and heavy-duty machines.
Used in cars, elevators, aircraft engines, and big industrial machines.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed spur vs helical gear and how they are used in different machines. Spur gears are simple, cheaper, and good for slow or light work. Helical gears are smoother, stronger, and better for fast or heavy tasks. Now you can pick the right one for your machine.