Best NEMA 17 vs NEMA 23 Torque Sizing for CNC Axes
NEMA 17 vs NEMA 23 torque comes down to holding force and frame size for your axis. The NEMA 17 motor at $9.99 holds 0.36 Nm on a 42 mm frame, which suits light 3D printer axes. The NEMA 23 motor at $34.99 holds 1.9 Nm on a 57 mm frame, which suits CNC routers and mills.
Quick facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| NEMA 17 holding torque | 0.36 Nm (50 oz-in) |
| NEMA 17 current | 1.2A per phase, 12V recommended |
| NEMA 17 frame and shaft | 42 x 42 mm, 5 mm shaft, 290 g |
| NEMA 23 holding torque | 1.9 Nm (269 oz-in) |
| NEMA 23 current | 2.8A per phase, 8 mm shaft |
| DM542 driver | 20-50V input, 1.0-4.2A peak, $26.99 |
How do you compare NEMA 17 vs NEMA 23 torque?
The NEMA 23 holds 1.9 Nm, which is about 5.3 times the 0.36 Nm of the NEMA 17.
The NEMA 17 weighs 290 g, so it suits light axes that move fast and stop often.
The NEMA 23 frame measures 57 mm square and 76 mm long, so it needs a larger mount.
What current does each motor need?
The NEMA 17 draws 1.2A per phase at a recommended voltage of 12V.
The NEMA 23 draws 2.8A per phase at 3.2V, with 1.13 ohms of phase resistance.
The DM542 driver outputs 1.0 to 4.2A peak, so it covers both motors in this guide.
Which shaft and gear fit your belt drive?
The NEMA 17 ships with a 20T MXL gear fitted on a 5 mm shaft that measures 18 mm long.
The NEMA 23 uses an 8 mm shaft with no gear fitted, so you add your own pulley.
The NEMA 17 lead measures 190 mm long, and its mounting holes measure 3 mm.
How does the DM542 driver set microsteps?
The DM542 offers 15 selectable microstep resolutions up to 25600 pulses per rev.
It accepts pulse input up to 200 kHz from a TTL or differential signal.
It protects against overvoltage, under voltage, overcurrent, and phase short circuits.
What did we check against the listings?
We matched the 0.36 Nm torque and the 20T gear to the NEMA 17 listing.
We matched the 1.9 Nm torque and the 2.8A current to the NEMA 23 listing.
We counted 2 images on the NEMA 17 listing and 3 images on the NEMA 23 listing.
How the options compare
| Motor | Holding torque | Current | Shaft | Frame | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEMA 17 with gear | 0.36 Nm | 1.2A | 5 mm | 42 x 42 mm | $9.99 |
| NEMA 23 | 1.9 Nm | 2.8A | 8 mm | 57 x 76 mm | $34.99 |
How do you size stepper torque in 5 steps?
- Weigh the axis load and note the belt pitch you plan to use.
- Pick the torque band: 0.36 Nm for light axes, 1.9 Nm for CNC axes.
- Check the frame size against your mount: 42 mm or 57 mm square.
- Set the driver current to the motor rating: 1.2A or 2.8A per phase.
- Run the axis at low speed first and check for missed steps.
Parts that fit this guide
Check stock before you order, because in-stock parts ship from New York in 1-2 business days. Prices in this guide are the live store prices verified on November 12, 2026.
Nema 17 Stepper Motor, 0.36Nm, 1.2A, with 20T MXL Gear ($9.99)
NEMA 17 stepper motor at $9.99. It holds 0.36 Nm with a 20T MXL gear on a 5 mm shaft, for 3D printer and CNC belt axes.
NEMA 23 Motor, 1.9Nm, 2.8A, 8mm Shaft ($34.99)
NEMA 23 stepper motor at $34.99. It holds 1.9 Nm at 2.8A with an 8 mm shaft, for CNC routers, mills, and larger printer axes.
DM542 Stepper Motor Driver for 42/57 Series ($26.99)
DM542 stepper motor driver at $26.99. It runs 42 and 57 series motors at 20-50V with up to 4.2A peak and 15 microstep resolutions.
Shop the full range in the Stepper Motors and Drivers category at Quality RC Parts. See also: Related guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which motor suits a 3D printer axis?
The NEMA 17 at $9.99 suits light 3D printer axes, with 0.36 Nm of holding torque and a fitted 20T gear.
Can the DM542 driver run the NEMA 23 motor?
Yes. The DM542 outputs up to 4.2A peak, which covers the 2.8A rating of the NEMA 23 motor.
What does a 1.8 degree step angle mean?
It means the motor takes 200 steps per revolution, which both motors in this guide list.
Does the NEMA 23 fit a NEMA 17 mount?
No. The NEMA 23 frame measures 57 mm square, while the NEMA 17 frame measures 42 mm square.
Sources
Last updated: November 14, 2026.