ISO 6336-1:2006 presents the basic principles of, an introduction to, and the general influence factors for, the calculation of the load capacity of spur and helical gears. Together with ISO 6336-2, ISO 6336-3, ISO 6336-5 and ISO 6336-6, it provides a method by which different gear designs can be compared. It is not intended to assure the performance of assembled drive gear systems. It is not intended for use by the general engineering public. Instead, it is intended for use by the experienced gear designer who is capable of selecting reasonable values for the factors in these formulae based on knowledge of similar designs and awareness of the effects of the items discussed.

The formulae in ISO 6336 are intended to establish a uniformly acceptable method for calculating the pitting resistance and bending strength capacity of cylindrical gears with straight or helical involute teeth.