NEMA 17 vs NEMA 23 Stepper Motor

NEMA 17 and NEMA 23 are two of the most commonly used stepper motor sizes
in CNC machines, 3D printers, and industrial automation systems.
Although both are hybrid stepper motors, they differ significantly
in size, torque output, and typical applications.

If you are new to stepper motors, you may first read
What Is a Stepper Motor
and
How to Choose a Stepper Motor
to understand the basics of stepper motor selection.

You can also explore our

Stepper Motor product category

for available NEMA 17 and NEMA 23 models.

What Does NEMA 17 and NEMA 23 Mean?

The NEMA number refers to the motor frame size defined by the
National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
It indicates the faceplate dimensions of the motor, not its performance.

NEMA 17: 1.7 × 1.7 inches (42 × 42 mm)
NEMA 23: 2.3 × 2.3 inches (57 × 57 mm)

Size and Mechanical Dimensions

NEMA 17 stepper motors are compact and lightweight,
making them suitable for space-constrained designs.

NEMA 23 stepper motors are larger and heavier,
providing higher torque and better load capacity.

Torque Output Comparison

Torque is the main reason users choose NEMA 23 over NEMA 17.

NEMA 17: Typically 0.3–0.6 Nm holding torque
NEMA 23: Typically 1.0–3.0 Nm holding torque

If your application involves higher load, acceleration,
or mechanical transmission losses,
NEMA 23 stepper motors are generally the better choice.

Power and Current Requirements

NEMA 17 motors usually operate at lower current and power levels,
making them suitable for smaller power supplies and drivers.

NEMA 23 motors require higher current drivers
and more robust power supplies due to their higher torque output.

Typical Applications

NEMA 17 Stepper Motor Applications

3D printers
Desktop CNC and engraving machines
Small robotics and DIY projects

NEMA 23 Stepper Motor Applications

Industrial CNC machines
Automation equipment
Linear actuators and ball screw systems

NEMA 17 vs NEMA 23: Comparison Table

Feature	NEMA 17	NEMA 23
Frame Size	42 × 42 mm	57 × 57 mm
Holding Torque	Low to medium	Medium to high
Power Requirement	Lower	Higher
Typical Use	Light-duty systems	Industrial applications

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a NEMA 17 stepper motor if your application
requires compact size, lower power consumption,
and moderate torque.

Choose a NEMA 23 stepper motor if your application
requires higher torque, heavier load handling,
or more robust industrial performance.

For detailed specifications and available configurations,
you can browse our

Stepper Motor products

or contact us for selection support.

After comparing NEMA 17 and NEMA 23 stepper motors,
this step-by-step guide helps you select the right motor for your application:

How to Choose a Stepper Motor
.

Frequently Asked Questions About NEMA 17 vs NEMA 23 Stepper Motors

Is NEMA 23 more powerful than NEMA 17 stepper motors?

Yes, NEMA 23 stepper motors generally provide higher torque output than NEMA 17 motors and are suitable for applications requiring heavier load handling.

Can I replace a NEMA 17 motor with a NEMA 23 motor?

In many cases, a NEMA 23 motor can replace a NEMA 17 motor if mounting space and driver compatibility allow the upgrade.

Which stepper motor is better for 3D printers?

NEMA 17 stepper motors are commonly used in 3D printers because they provide sufficient torque while maintaining compact size and lower power consumption.

Do NEMA 23 motors require different drivers than NEMA 17 motors?

Yes, NEMA 23 motors typically require drivers with higher current ratings compared to NEMA 17 motors.

How do I choose between NEMA 17 and NEMA 23 stepper motors?

The selection depends on torque requirements, installation space, load weight, and operating speed requirements.

Are NEMA 23 motors more accurate than NEMA 17 motors?

Both motors usually provide similar positioning accuracy. The main difference lies in torque output rather than precision.