The purpose of the study is to evaluate the geometric parameters of the plates of roller chains used in the supply of gas distribution mechanisms of motor vehicles. The method used is an analytical representation of the dependencies of the plate shape. The relevance of the proposed approach is justified by the great complexity of pre-design studies for choosing the type of drive chain of various mechanisms. Main results-dependences are proposed for determining the area of plates both with the "eight" type shape of the inner link of a standard roller (bushing) chain, and plates with straight side faces, and it is reasonable to choose the design of the drive chain for the specified operating loading conditions. Dependencies have a scientific novelty and practical significance when used in the production activities of employees of technological departments and design services of machine-building and auto repair enterprises.