A broken belt doesn’t mean that you have to say goodbye to your dryer. Every tutorial promises that replacing your old belt is a quick and easy task. Apparently, the only way this could go wrong is if you were to choose the wrong size belt. But how are you supposed to know what size you need?
Well, look no further! From different methods to find the perfect fit for your dryer to a list of actual dryers and their belt sizes, this guide covers everything you need to know about belt sizes.
Dryer belt sizes can vary based on drum size, make and model, and type of dryer. Common sizes are 92 1/4" and 93 1/2" long and 1/2" or 1/4" wide. Finding the right size is important to ensure dryer function. The size may be written on the old belt, but calling the manufacturer will also yield the right size.
Are All Dryer Belts the Same Size?
Not all dryer belts are the same size. Dryer belts differ in diameter and length according to size, make, and model of the dryer in which they are installed.
The dryer belt is a key component of each dryer. It allows the dryer drum to spin when the motor runs by wrapping itself around the drum and a pulley system of the dryer.
Therefore, the size of the dryer belt directly depends not only on the size of the dryer’s drum but also on the weight the drum can handle. You should know what this weight is so that you don’t overload the drum with clothing. Avoid tumble drying soaking wet clothes as well because these are always heavier.
The belt’s width and length also vary to perfectly fit the specific pulley system used in a particular dryer.
Dryer belts are not really interchangeable. If you want your dryer to work properly, you need to find a belt that fits it perfectly; otherwise, the belt will start causing issues.
How Do I Know What Belt Size My Dryer Uses?
There are different techniques that are meant to help you find out what size belt your dryer needs. However, some of these methods are more reliable than others.
For example, some people recommend removing your old belt from the drum and measuring it. Unfortunately, this method can be very deceptive because dryer belts tend to stretch over time.
When you install a new belt that is as long as your old stretched-out belt, at best, you risk that the belt will keep slipping off, and you will need to fix it regularly. At worst, the drum won’t be able to turn properly due to the lack of tension, or the belt can start melting and breaking.
Either way, you will eventually have to buy a new belt.
Luckily for dryer owners, there are two much more simple and, most importantly, more reliable ways to figure out what size of a belt you should buy.
Firstly, you can inspect your old belt and look for its product number. Most belts even have their length written directly on them, so you could just read it and order the correct size.
However, your best option is to contact your manufacturer or go to their website.
Instead of the “Products” window, open the “Spare parts” window and find the exact belt that was used in your dryer by writing the dryer’s product number into the search window and looking at the product number of the dryer belt.
This way, you should be able to order the part directly from the manufacturer. Alternatively, you can look up the part on Amazon, eBay, or other websites such as this one.
Or just keep reading and look through the table we’ve compiled for you!
Most Common Dryer Belt Size According To…
Drum Size
As already mentioned, the size and capacity of the drum are probably the most important determiners of the size of the dryer belt. Let’s look at some of the most frequently found capacities dryers come with to see what is the most common belt size for each of these.
| Dryer drum capacity | Belt size |
| 7.8 cubic feet | Drums with one of the largest available dryer capacities need a belt that is around 97.9″ long. |
| 7.4 cubic feet | These drums usually need a belt that is 93 1/2” long by 1/4″ wide. The second most popular size for these belts is 92 1/4″ long by 1/4″ wide. |
| 7.2 cubic feet | Many drums with this capacity work perfectly with 89 1/2″ long and either 1/2 or 1/4″ wide belts. However, other makes require 92″ long and 5/16” wide belts. |
| 7 cubic feet | Most brands that sell this size dryers use either 92 1/4″ or 92 1/2″ long belts with a width of 1/4″. |
| 5.9 cubic feet | Surprisingly, most of these smaller dryers require their belt to be between 93 to 93 1/2″ long and only 1/4” wide. |
| 4.2 cubic feet | These compact dryers tend to use belts with a length of 76 1/10″. |
| 4 cubic feet | Dryers with the capacity of four cb. ft. are often condensers, and they need a belt that is at least 76” but more commonly 77 1/3″ long. |
Make
| GE Dryers |
| A typical belt for some of the most popular GE dryers is 89.5” long with 4 ribs on the inside for a good grip. For their dryers with a larger capacity, they use the WE03X29704 belt. The GE website doesn’t provide any dimensions for this belt, but based on our research, it should be about 97.9″ long (but don’t quote me on that!). |
| Whirlpool Dryers |
| The by far most common belt size for some of the most popular Whirlpool Dryers is 92-1/4″ long by 1/4″ wide. The second most popular length of Whirlpool belts is 93 1/2″, while both sizes have 4 ribs and 3 grooves. |
| Maytag Dryers |
| While Maytag is owned by Whirlpool, it still produces its own products, and it is technically independent in the product’s design. That being said, the appliance parts are often distributed by Whirlpool. Therefore, they use the same dryer drive belts, the most common size being 92 1/4″ long by 1/4″ wide. |
| LG Dryers |
| The majority of people’s favorite LG dryers have belts that are 92 ¼” long by 1/2″ wide. |
| Samsung Dryers |
| Compared to other manufacturers that we have covered thus far, Samsung dryers’ belts are the most unique in the sense of their size. A common length of a Samsung belt is 92″, while the width is 5/16”. The belt also has 5 ribs and 4 grooves, instead of the typical 4 and 3 that we can see from the other brands. |
Does Make Matter if the Size Is the Same?
From comparing different sizes and manufacturers of dryer belts, we can see that the make and model of the dryer matter almost as much as the actual capacity of the drum of the dryer.
This could be because the drums have slightly different perimeters or are built to handle somewhat different amounts of weight. Or there could be differences in the pulley system of the motor.
Either way, the belt size can differ from brand to brand, and so can the material of the belt. Furthermore, if you use a non-brand belt and something goes wrong with the dryer, it could void your warranty.
Dryer Type
| Gas |
| The majority of gas dryer belts I’ve compared were 92 ¼” long. They tend to have 4 ribs and 3 grooves. The second most popular length was 93 ½”, also with 4 ribs and 3 grooves. Occasionally, when the dryer has a smaller drum, you can find a gas dryer with a belt about 89 ½” long. These dryer belts are usually either 1/2″ or 1/4″ wide. |
| Electric |
| The most common belt size for electric dryers is 93 1/2″ long by 1/4″ wide, followed right by the size of 92 1/4″ long by 1/4″ wide. Similar to gas dryer belts, these belts tend to have 4 ribs and 3 grooves. Furthermore, the smaller capacity electric dryers typically have belts that are 89.5” long. |
| Condenser |
| Condenser dryers are usually more compact, and so they have a smaller drum that requires a shorter belt. These belts can be anywhere from 76” to 89.5″ long, with the most common lengths being 77 1/3” and 77 ½”. They are often flat with 4 ribs. A common width for condenser dryer belts is 1/4″. |
| Washer/Dryer Combo |
| These belts are commonly 92 1/4″ long by 1/4″ wide and typically have 4 ribs and 3 grooves. However, another common occurrence is a belt that is flat, has 4 ribs, and is 79 1/8″ long by 1/4″ wide. |
| Steam Dryer |
| Steam Dryer belts are often 92 1/4″ long and either 1/4″ or 1/2″ wide. Generally, they have 4 ribs and 3 grooves. |
| Heat Pump Dryer |
| Regular size heat pump dryers typically have belts that are 93 1/2″ long and either 1/4″ or 1/2″ wide with 4 ribs 3 grooves. More compact sizes can have 76″ or 77 ½” long belts. |
Table of Common Dryer Belt Sizes
| Make | Model | Type | Drum Size | Belt Size | Belt Part Number |
| Whirlpool | WED5620HW | Electric | 7.4 cu. ft. Capacity | 93 1/2″ long, 1/4″ wide | 661570V (view on Amazon) |
| Whirlpool | WED5000DW | Electric | 7 cu. ft. Capacity | 92 1/4″ long, 1/4″ wide | 341241 |
| Whirlpool | WGD6620HC | Steam, Gas | 7.4 cu. ft. Capacity | 93 1/2″ long, 1/4” wide | 661570V (view on Amazon) |
| Whirlpool | WHD560CHW | Heat Pump | 7.4 cu. ft. Capacity | 93 1/2″ long, 1/4” wide | 661570V (view on Amazon) |
| Whirlpool | WGD4985EW | Gas | 5.9 cu. ft. Capacity | 93 1/2″ long, 1/4” wide | 661570V (view on Amazon) |
| Whirlpool | WHD3090GW | Heat Pump | 4.3 cu. ft. Capacity | 79.13″ long | 461970110511 |
| Whirlpool | WETLV27HW | Washer/Dryer Combo | 5.9 cu. ft. Dryer Capacity | 92-1/4″ long, 1/4″ wide | 341241 |
| LG | DLGX7901BE | Steam, Gas | 7.3 cu. ft. Capacity | 92 1/4″ long, 1/2″ wide | 4400EL2001F (amazon link) |
| LG | DLEX4500B | Steam, Electric | 7.4 cu. ft. Capacity | 92 1/4″ long, 1/2″ wide | 4400EL2001F (amazon link) |
| LG | DLHC1455W | Heat Pump | 4.2 cu. ft. Capacity | 76 1/10″ long | 4400EL1001C (amazon link) |
| Samsung | DVE52A5500W/A3 | Steam, Electric | 7.4 cu. ft. Capacity | 92″ long, 5/16” wide | 6602-001655 (amazon link) |
| Samsung | DVE45T3200W/A3 | Electric | 7.2 cu. ft. Capacity | 92″ long, 5/16” wide | 6602-001655 (amazon link) |
| Bosch | WTG86402UC | Condenser | 4 cu. ft. Capacity | 77 1/3″ long | 00657917 (amazon link) |
| Maytag | MED6200KW | Electric | 7 cu. ft. Capacity | 93 1/2″ long, 1/4” wide | 661570V (view on Amazon) |
| Maytag | MGD6200KW | Gas | 7 cu. ft. Capacity | 92-1/4″ long, 1/4″ wide | 341241 |
| Maytag | MED6230HC | Electric | 7.4 cu. ft. Capacity | 93 1/2″ long, 1/4” wide | 661570V (view on Amazon) |
| GE | GUD27GESNWW | Washer/Dryer Combo | 5.9 cu. ft. Dryer Capacity | 89.5” long | WE12M29 (view on Amazon) |
| GE | GFD43ESSMWW | Electric | 7.5 cu. ft. Capacity | 89.5” long | WE12M29 (view on Amazon) |
| GE | GTD45GASJWS | Gas | 7.2 cu. ft. Capacity | 89.5” long | WE03X29897 |
| GE | GFD85GSSNWW | Steam, Gas | 7.8 cu. ft. Capacity | Likely 97.9″ long | WE03X29704 |
Sources
https://www.searspartsdirect.com/
https://www.a-1appliance.com/sections/maytag-appliance-parts