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L10 is the life 90% of identical bearings will reach under a given load. C is the dynamic load rating from the catalog; P is the equivalent dynamic load combining radial and thrust. Because the exponent is 3 (or 10/3), a small load reduction sharply extends life — halving the load multiplies ball-bearing life about eightfold.
- Ball bearing, C = 30 kN, P = 3 kN.
- L10 = (30/3)³ = 1,000 M rev.
- At 1,750 rpm → ≈ 9,520 h.
Reference tables
Load ratio vs L10 life (ball bearing, p = 3)
| C ÷ P | L10 (10^6 rev) |
|---|---|
| 4 | 64 |
| 6 | 216 |
| 8 | 512 |
| 10 | 1,000 |
| 12 | 1,728 |
A number the tables do not give: cutting the load from P to P/2 multiplies a ball bearing’s L10 life about 8× (2³).
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FAQ
What is L10?
The life 90% of a bearing population is expected to exceed; 10% may fail earlier. It is a statistical rating, not a guarantee for one bearing.
Ball or roller exponent?
Use p = 3 for ball bearings and p = 10/3 for roller bearings — rollers have more contact area, so the exponent is higher.
How do I get equivalent load P?
Combine radial and axial loads with the bearing’s X and Y factors: P = X·Fr + Y·Fa. Pure radial load makes P = Fr.
Does lubrication change life?
Yes — the modified life (Lnm) adds reliability, contamination and lubrication factors on top of L10. Clean, well-lubricated bearings last far longer.
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