GARAGE CALCS FOR THE HOME BUILDER

Cam timing calculator

Turn the numbers on a cam card into the four valve events, overlap and advance. Then send the intake-closing point straight to the compression calculator.

Free, no sign-upUpdated September 2026
Your numbers
From your cam card
Duration is measured at
Installed intake centerline. Straight up, it equals the lobe separation angle.

Intake closes

The event that sets dynamic compression.
Intake opens
Exhaust opens
Exhaust closes
Overlap
Exhaust centerline
Cam advance

From cam card to valve events

Intake opens (BTDC) = intake duration ÷ 2 − intake centerline
Intake closes (ABDC) = intake duration ÷ 2 + intake centerline − 180
Exhaust centerline = 2 × lobe separation − intake centerline
Exhaust opens (BBDC) = exhaust duration ÷ 2 + exhaust centerline − 180
Exhaust closes (ATDC) = exhaust duration ÷ 2 − exhaust centerline
Overlap = intake opens + exhaust closes

A negative result simply means the event happens on the other side of the dead center, for example the exhaust closing before top dead center. Overlap figures at 0.050 in are much smaller than at seat timing, and small or negative 0.050 overlap is normal.

Advance and retard

Advance is the lobe separation angle minus the intake centerline. Installing a cam advanced moves all the events earlier, which generally shifts power down the rpm range and closes the intake earlier, raising dynamic compression. When you degree a cam, the intake centerline is the number you check with a degree wheel and dial indicator.

Why intake closing matters most

Of the four events, intake closing has the biggest effect on cylinder pressure, which is why the compression calculator asks for it. Use the button to carry it over.