How to Quickly Choose Propellers for FPV Drones

In short:
Three core parameters are crucial — never get them wrong. Non-core parameters are flexible and can be chosen based on personal preferences without major consequences.

Step-by-Step Guide

Determine propeller diameter based on drone size.
Select propeller pitch and blade count according to your flying purpose.
Once the core parameters are set, pick among available propellers based on non-core attributes (such as color) to finalize your choice.

The Three Core Parameters

Propellers usually display these three key specifications directly on the product, though the format may vary. Examples:

Gemfan 3032-3 → 3.0" Diameter, 3.2" Pitch, 3 Blades
HQProp 3x3x3 → 3.0" Diameter, 3.0" Pitch, 3 Blades

Propeller Diameter📏

What is it?
The diameter of the circle created by the rotating blades.

FPV Drone Size vs Propeller Diameter:

Drone Size	Propeller Diameter
5-inch	5-inch propellers
3-inch	3-inch propellers
2.5-inch	2.5-inch propellers

Impact:

Larger diameter: More thrust, slower response.
Smaller diameter: Less thrust, quicker response.

Propeller Pitch🚀

What is it?
The theoretical distance the propeller moves forward per full rotation.

Impact:

Higher pitch: More explosive power, higher speed ceiling, slower response, higher power consumption. Best for open space and long-range flying.
Lower pitch: Less explosive power, lower top speed, faster response, lower power consumption. Suitable for tight spaces and freestyle flying.

Blade Count🔢

What is it?
The number of blades on a single propeller.

Impact:

2-blade: Less power, more efficient, lower interference between blades. Ideal for long-range and efficient cruising.
3-blade: Balanced option with the most versatile applications.
4-blade: More thrust, higher power consumption. Best for tight space freestyle or small drones needing extra power.

Advanced: Non-Core Parameters

These factors refine performance but are not essential. Choose based on your specific needs or preferences.

Parameter	Description	Impact
Material	PC, Carbon Fiber, Nylon	Weight, durability, flexibility, sound
Weight	Depends on material and design	Affects motor response and vibrations
Shape	Width, sweep angle, tip design	Fine-tunes thrust and aerodynamic performance
Mounting Type	5mm shaft, T-mount, POPO	Determines motor compatibility
Rigidity	Soft or hard, depends on material and thickness	Impacts flying feel and vibration absorption
Color & Appearance	Visual style	No performance impact, only visibility and aesthetics

Propeller Material

Description:
Materials like PC (Polycarbonate), Carbon Fiber, and Nylon affect weight, durability, and flexibility.

Impact:

PC: Softer and crash-resistant but deforms at high speeds. Great for freestyle and daily flying.
Carbon Fiber: Extremely light and rigid, ideal for racing but fragile and expensive.
Nylon: More economical, suited for light-duty applications.

Propeller Weight

Description:
The actual weight per blade, influenced by material and design.

Impact:

Lighter props: Faster response, less vibration, but weaker in wind.
Heavier props: More stable and better in strong winds but slower response.

Applications:

Lightweight: Racing and agile flight.
Heavyweight: Stable footage and windy conditions.

Propeller Shape

Description:
Includes width, sweep angle, and edge design.

Impact:

Wide blades: Better low-speed thrust, ideal for heavy loads or stable flights.
Narrow blades: Less drag and higher speed potential.
Sweep angle: Optimizes airflow for better aerodynamic efficiency.

Applications:

Wide blades: Cinematic flying and heavy payloads.
Narrow blades: Racing and long-distance flights.

Mounting Type

Description:
The installation method — 5mm shaft, T-mount, POPO, etc.

Impact:
Directly affects motor compatibility.

Applications:

T-mount: Lightweight, commonly used in 65-150mm drones.
5mm shaft: Standard for freestyle and long-range builds.

Propeller Rigidity

Description:
Determined by material, thickness, and design.

Impact:

Soft props: Absorb vibration for smooth flying but lose thrust at high speed.
Rigid props: Deliver instant response but create more vibration and are prone to breaking.

Applications:

Soft: Indoor, micro drones, and casual flying.
Rigid: Racing, aggressive freestyle, and precise control.

Color & Appearance

Description:
Propeller color and style.

Impact:
Only affects visibility and aesthetics — no performance difference.

Applications:

Bright colors: Easier to see in freestyle and racing.
Dark/transparent colors: More discreet for cinematic shots or long-range flying.

By carefully selecting your propeller's core parameters first and fine-tuning your choice with non-core attributes, you can find the perfect balance for your drone’s intended use.