Size guide
Prop names follow one pattern: diameter × pitch × blades. A 5×4.3×3 is a 5-inch prop with 4.3 inches of pitch and three blades. Gemfan writes the same idea as 51433 (5.1″, 4.33 pitch, 3 blades).
Quick chart
Typical pairings. Your frame’s prop clearance is the hard limit, so check it first.
| Prop | Typical frame / airframe | Common motors | Typical KV | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3″ | 120–150 mm quads, 3″ cinewhoops, toothpicks | 1404, 1504, 1507 | 2900–4600 (4S) | Shop 3″ |
| 4″ | 160–180 mm micro long range | 1804, 2004 | 2500–3000 (4S) | Shop 4″ |
| 5″ | 210–250 mm freestyle and racing | 2207, 2306 | 1700–1950 (6S), 2400–2700 (4S) | Shop 5″ |
| 6″ | 250–280 mm stretched-X and cruisers | 2306, 2507 | 1500–1800 (6S) | Shop 6″ |
| 7″ | 280–320 mm long range | 2806.5, 2807 | 1300–1500 (6S) | Shop 7″ |
| 8″ | 330–360 mm long range; 3S park flyers | 2810, 3110; 2212 (fixed-wing) | 1100–1300 (6S); 1000–1400 (3S) | Shop 8″ |
| 9–10″ | Large multirotors; sport planes and gliders | 2814, 3508; 2820, 3530 | 700–1000 | Shop 9–10″ |
Diameter
Diameter is the tip-to-tip length in inches. Bigger props move more air at lower RPM, so they suit lower-KV motors and give better efficiency. Smaller props spin up faster and feel snappier. On a quad, the largest prop your frame clears is usually the right starting point.
Pitch
Pitch is how far the prop would move forward in one turn, in inches. Higher pitch gives more top speed and punch but draws more current and runs the motors hotter. Lower pitch is smoother and more efficient. For a 5″ quad, 4.0–4.3 is a balanced choice: go higher for speed, lower for longer flights.
Blade count
- 2-blade: most efficient. Long range, fixed-wing, and maximum flight time.
- 3-blade: the FPV standard. Good grip and control with reasonable efficiency.
- 4- and 5-blade: more grip in a small diameter. Heavy builds, cinewhoops and ducted props.
Material
- PC (polycarbonate): flexes in a crash instead of breaking. Standard for FPV quads.
- Glass-filled nylon: stiffer and more efficient under load. Common on fixed-wing and larger multirotor props.
- Wood: light, stiff and quiet with a scale look. Fixed-wing only.
Rotation: CW, CCW and pairs
Quads and multirotors need half their props spinning clockwise (CW) and half counter-clockwise (CCW). Most quad props come in packs with both, like “2 CW + 2 CCW”. If you only broke one side, buy a CW-only or CCW-only pack. Single-motor planes use one standard-rotation prop; pusher setups need a pusher prop.
Mounting
Most 4–8″ FPV props fit a 5 mm (M5) shaft. 3″ and smaller props often use a 1.5 mm T-mount or a 2 mm shaft. Fixed-wing props are usually bored for adapters (1/4″ or 6 mm), and many include reducer rings. Folding blades need a matching folding hub and spinner. The mount is listed on every product page.
Before you fly
- Put each prop on the motor that matches its rotation, and check your flight controller’s motor direction setting.
- Tighten prop nuts firmly. Replace nyloc nuts once they stop gripping.
- Swap out any prop with a chip, crack or bent tip. Damaged props cause vibration and hot motors.